Trustworthy open search and discovery (RIA)

The 'Trustworthy Open Search and Discovery' program aims to fund a wide range of European and associated entities, including academic institutions, startups, SMEs, and social innovators. Its core objective is to advance digital technologies with a human-centred approach, fostering trust, privacy, and sovereignty in online information access.

This program funds advanced research and innovation in digital technologies, specifically focusing on enhancing internet search and discovery systems. It supports projects that advance the state-of-the-art in areas like AI-driven search methods and resilient search infrastructures, with a strong emphasis on open source and human-centric design.

This initiative provides grants as the primary financial instrument, with a total indicative budget of 17,000,000 € for two expected projects under this specific topic. A significant portion of the funding is dedicated to supporting third parties through open calls, facilitating broad innovation within the internet search ecosystem.

The program operates under specific conditions outlined in Horizon Europe's general annexes, covering admissibility, eligibility, and financial capacity. A notable requirement is the mandatory provision of financial support to third parties through open calls, which necessitates careful management and a clear intervention logic from the main consortium.

The application process involved a single-stage submission, which is now closed. Proposals were evaluated based on award criteria and thresholds outlined in the Work Programme General Annexes, with successful applicants notified and grant agreements expected to be signed in June 2022.

The program is established under the Horizon Europe framework, governed by a series of foundational legal documents and regulations. These include the Horizon Europe Work Programme, the EU Financial Regulation, and various guidance documents, all of which are publicly accessible to ensure transparency and proper implementation.