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This funding call under Horizon Europe focuses on fostering an open-source framework to develop and operationalize an Open Internet Stack. The initiative targets the creation of strategic technological commons supporting the European vision of next-generation digital infrastructures, referred to as 3C networks. The stack will prioritize trust, transactions, connectivity, and decentralization, all integrated within the Web 4.0 framework.
Applicants are expected to develop a publicly available and operational library of building blocks leveraging open-source technologies. These components must align with European values of inclusivity, trustworthiness, interoperability, and user-centricity. The selected projects will contribute to 3C large-scale pilot programs, testing and validating solutions in real-world settings. Key areas of focus include trust technologies (such as privacy-enhancing tools), network and connectivity technologies, and decentralized systems based on open standards.
Financial support to third parties is a major feature, allowing up to 70% of the total EU contribution to be allocated for open calls targeting open-source communities. Proposals should define mechanisms for maturing these third-party projects, ensuring scalability, compliance, and ecosystem development.
Proposals must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of open-source communities, present concrete collaboration plans with 3C pilots, and outline strategies for standardization and sustainability. The call emphasizes reusability, reproducibility, and resilience of the developed solutions, requiring alignment with other relevant EU projects and initiatives. The projects are expected to last for approximately 36 months, with funding allocated through Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
Opening: 10 Jun 2025
Deadline(s): 13 Nov 2025
Expected Outcome
- A publicly available and operational Open Internet Stack aligned with the European vision.
- A library of trustworthy, interoperable, human-centric applications leveraging open-source commons.
- A thriving ecosystem of contributors, including SMEs, academics, and individuals.
- Tools and services supporting compliance with EU legal frameworks like GDPR and DSA.
Scope
- Development of an open-source framework governed by community contributors.
- Provision of key technology components for 3C large-scale pilot operations.
- Structuring of technological areas into a coherent stack.
- Supporting applications on the European providers’ ecosystem.
- Addressing three main technology areas:
- Trust technologies (privacy, AI agents, identities, etc.).
- Network and connectivity technologies.
- Decentralized technologies for interoperability across 3C networks.