How to apply to Open Calls? Comprehensive Guidelines for ICT Standards Experts are now available

StandICT.eu has just published its official guidelines for ICT standards experts interested in applying to its Open Calls for funding. This document serves as a vital resource for applicants, offering clear instructions on how to go through the application process and maximise their chances of becoming StandICT.eu funded fellows. As the European Union continues to strive for technological sovereignty and competitiveness in the global market, the role of standards cannot be underestimated. Standardisation ensures interoperability, fosters innovation, and sets the foundation for a unified digital market across Europe. Through StandICT.eu, the European Union is taking decisive action to ensure that Europe-based specialists are not only participating in but also impacting the global standardisation landscape.

A Strategic Opportunity for European ICT Standardisation Experts 

The StandICT.eu 2026 initiative has earmarked a substantial €2,925,000 to support the participation of European standardisation specialists in key international and global Standards Development Organisations (SDOs). This funding is strategically deployed through nine Open Calls, running until June 2025, to empower experts to contribute to a fully integrated European Standardisation Ecosystem. Each of these Open Calls will be active for 60 days, during which time applicants can submit their proposals through the TRUST-GRANTS™ platform. Once submitted, proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring that only the most qualified and impactful applications receive funding. This meticulous process, conducted by an External Pool of Evaluators (EPE), guarantees the integrity and transparency of the selection process.

Why the Guidelines Matter

The publication of these guidelines is more than just a procedural step. It represents a commitment to ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of ICT innovation and standardisation. By facilitating the participation of European experts in global standardisation efforts, StandICT.eu is directly contributing to the EU’s broader objectives of digital sovereignty, innovation, and sustainability. Standardisation is a critical component in achieving the goals set out in the European Commission’s Digital Strategy, which aims to make the European Union a global leader in the digital economy. It also aligns with the objectives of the Horizon Europe programme, which places emphasis on the importance of standards in driving technological advancement and ensuring that European values and interests are represented in global fora.

Learn More and Get Involved 

For those interested in applying, these guidelines offer detailed information on eligibility, the application process, and the evaluation criteria. But beyond the practicalities, this document is also a gateway to understanding the vital role of standardisation in Europe’s digital future. StandICT.eu is more than just a funding opportunity. It is a call to action for Europe’s ICT experts to engage in shaping the standards that will govern the technologies of tomorrow. By participating in this initiative, you are not only advancing your own professional goals but also contributing to a broader mission that will impact Europe’s competitiveness and influence on the global stage. 

As Europe continues to address the challenges and take the opportunities of the digital age, the role of standards - and the experts who help shape them - will only grow in importance. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to Europe’s future. Apply and help shape the standards that will define the next generation of ICT innovations.