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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

Grant's core objective is to drive the evolution of the internet towards open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds by developing key building blocks. - Target recipients include organizations involved in research and innovation in digital technologies, encompassing startups, SMEs, research institutions, and potentially larger enterprises. - The grant is SECTOR-SPECIFIC to the technology and digital sectors, with a strong focus on internet architecture, software, and hardware. - Geographic scope primarily covers the European Union and associated countries, aiming to foster EU-based internet ecosystems. - This is a recurring program context under Horizon Europe, specifically implementing the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.

Financial Structure

Funding amount per grant: Minimum of €1,000,000 and maximum of €3,000,000.
Total budget available for this topic (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-16) is €14,500,000.
Currency: EUR.
Financial support to third parties is permitted, limited to grants, with a maximum amount of €150,000 per third party.
A maximum of 15% of the total requested EU contribution may be allocated to financial support for third parties, provided they are selected through open calls.
Financial and operational capacity requirements are detailed in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes (document not provided).

Eligibility Requirements

Organization Type & Capacity

Eligible organization types: Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) typically involve a wide range of entities including 'STARTUP', 'SME', 'ENTERPRISE', 'UNIVERSITY', and 'NGO' (for social economy actors).
Applicants must meet financial and operational capacity requirements as described in Annex C of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes (document not provided here).

Geographic Location

Eligible countries are defined in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes (document not provided). Horizon Europe generally includes EU Member States and Associated Countries.
The grant is subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks. Specific non-EU/non-Associated Countries may also be eligible if they have made specific funding provisions.

Project Type & Duration

Project proposals must be for 'Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)'.
Proposed projects should typically have an overall duration of 24 to 36 months, though other durations are not excluded.
Consortium is required, meaning applications should involve multiple collaborating entities.

Application Process

Application Deadline & Submission

Application deadline: 2025-10-02 00:00:00+0000.
The submission session became available on 2025-06-10.
Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Submission Service via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
The submission procedure is 'single-stage'.

Required Documentation & Materials

Proposal page limits and layout are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, and specifically in Part B of the Application Form (documents not provided).
Applicants will use standard application form templates (HE RIA, IA) available in the Submission System.
Supporting materials required may include details on the legal and financial set-up of the proposed project, as per Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes (document not provided).

Project Implementation & Reporting

Projects are typically expected to have an overall duration of 24 to 36 months.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure open access to data, engage in standardisation activities, and establish an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime and sustainability model that ensures lasting impact and reusability of results.
Progress tracking mechanisms and specific reporting schedules will be detailed in the grant agreement.

Evaluation Criteria

Award Criteria & Scoring

The detailed award criteria, scoring system, and thresholds are outlined in Annex D of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes (document not provided).
Grants will be awarded not only based on overall ranking but also ensuring at least one highest-ranked application is selected from each of the five specific areas defined in the scope (Identity management, Software Supply Chain security, Open Hardware, Alternative solutions to centralised platforms, Web 4.0 demonstration for Virtual Worlds), provided all evaluation thresholds are met.

Expected Outcomes & Impact

Contribution to an early demonstration of the future Web 4.0 architectural framework (including protocols and standards) using key Open Source internet building blocks.
Emergence of open and interoperable Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds supported by EU-based internet ecosystems, emphasizing EU values and regulatory framework, with high socio-economic impact.
Support for the transition to Web 4.0, enabling more personalized, interactive, collaborative, decentralized, and user-centered experiences, with attention to security, scalability, and accessibility.
Creation of new business opportunities and the development of new business and sustainability models based on Open Source technologies.

Innovation & Technical Quality

Proposals must clearly demonstrate innovation 'beyond the state-of-the-art'.
Focus on developing Open Source / digital commons that integrate security, scalability, and sustainability at their core.
Expected activities include development, integration, testing, deployment, uptake, and operational aspects of technologies.
Projects should align with the strategic roadmap and architectural framework for the Virtual Worlds Partnership and the Web 4.0 initiative (as defined by HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17 CSA).
Cooperation and coherence with other projects funded under this action are essential.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Regulatory Compliance & Ethical Standards

Projects are subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
Proposals must ensure alignment with European values and regulatory frameworks, including adherence to EU Digital Identity Wallet, eIDAS trust services, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the AI Act ('compliant by design').
Emphasis on human-centric approaches, promoting trustworthiness, safety, reliability, and freedom from gender, racial, and other social biases.

Technical & Intellectual Property

Strong focus on 'Open Source' and 'digital commons' technologies as foundational elements for Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) strategies should facilitate lasting impact and reusability of project results.
Encouragement of open access to data generated by the projects.

Strategic Alignment & Collaboration

Projects are expected to align with and contribute to the strategic roadmap and architectural framework developed by the Virtual Worlds Partnership and the broader Web 4.0 initiative (specifically coordinated by HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17 CSA).
Applicants must devise mechanisms for close cooperation and coherence with other projects funded under this action to collectively advance the vision of an open and interoperable Web 4.0.
The topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds, indicating a long-term strategic commitment.

Cross-Cutting Themes

Emphasis on inclusiveness, gender equality, and diversity in the development and application of digital technologies.
Integration of sustainability considerations into technological developments and new business models (e.g., circularity options).
Encouragement of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) involvement to ensure benefits align with European values and societal needs.
Focus on addressing skills gaps and fostering continuous learning in the context of emerging digital technologies.

Grant Details