Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA)
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
Proposals should address one of the following areas and should clearly identify the area addressed.
1/ “Architectural Framework” area
Develop a human-centric Web 4.0 architectural framework encompassing interoperable layers from open hardware, web, AI agents, up to immersive and decentralised applications, utilizing cross-platform digital commons developed by European innovators (SMEs, start-ups, academia). Proposals should demonstrate immersive multi-modal user interaction and should enhance trust, privacy, portability, and advanced identity management, facilitating deployment of the EU Wallet while optimizing the balance between decentralization, security, and energy efficiency with verifiable metrics.
2/ “Applications” area
Proposals will cover the one or more of the following technologies:
- Alternative decentralised applications and services such as synchronous and asynchronous messaging, videoconferencing, collaboration and groupware or social media that can be exploited through Virtual Worlds technologies, including immersion and interaction.
- App-stores (incl. web-based) adapted for Virtual Worlds
- Shared, robust and trustworthy cross-technology Virtual Worlds for user and attribute management
Proposals will have to demonstrate (1) technical maturity in terms of scalability, resiliency, alignment with standards (2) critical mass of communities actively supporting the development (3) evidence of interest from users and deployers of the solutions.
Detailed Call Description
Cross-cutting requirements for both areas:
Applicants should define the mechanisms for maturing building blocks e.g. security and accessibility audits, packaging of the software for easy deployment, localisation of the software in EU languages, documentation of best practices and advising on licensing.
Applicants should detail the path to growth for building blocks e.g. by defining a clear standardisation strategy, actively animating communities, creating momentum among like-minded efforts, defining how projects will gain critical mass and what services will be provided for reaching such stage, and providing a coherent picture of the portfolio for adopters
Applicants should create the conditions for successful collaboration and synergies with other European initiatives such as the Virtual Worlds/Web 4.0, 3C and Open Internet Stack initiatives as well as with like-minded funding efforts at national, European levels and beyond Europe such as Digital Commons initiatives.
Applicants should demonstrate their experience and understanding of Open Source communities and their expertise covering the full Open Source life cycle through proven track record including years of experience.
Beneficiaries that intend to transfer ownership or grant an exclusive licence must formally notify the granting authority (i.e. DG-CNECT and HaDEA) before the intended transfer or licensing takes place and the granting authority may up to four years after the end of the action object to a transfer of ownership or the exclusive licensing of results.
Financial support to third parties
If applicants opt for financial support to third parties, then they should target calls towards European Open Source communities – SMEs, research institutes and individual researchers and developers – with solid experience with development of solutions in line with EU rules and values. Applicants should provide the programme logic for the third-party projects, managing the projects lifecycle, and provide the necessary technical and non-technical support: these tasks cannot be implemented using the budget earmarked for the financial support to third parties.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
100%
Expected contribution per project: between €2.80 million and €8.40 million.
Thematic Categories
- Audiovisual sector and Media
- Information Technology
- Public Administration
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness
Eligibility for Participation
- Associations
- Businesses
- Central Government
- Chambers
- Consumer Organisations
- Educational Institutions
- Large Enterprises
- Legal Entities
- Natual person / Citizen / Individual
- NGOs
- Non Profit Organisations
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Services Providers
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Research and Innovation Foundation
29a Andrea Michalakopoulou, 1075 Nicosia,
P.B. 23422, 1683 Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22205000
Fax: +357 22205001
Email: support@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/en/
Persons to Contact:
Dr Angelos Ntantos
Scientific Officer
Email: antantos@research.org.cy
Mr. George Christou
Scientific Officer
Email: gchristou@research.org.cy