By Anjali Kochhar
In an important step against fraud, false identities, and misinformation on the internet, the European Commission has granted subsidies totaling €1.8 million to fifteen entrepreneurs. This financing is a component of the NGI TrustChain program, which supports blockchain developments in an effort to promote a more trustworthy and decentralised internet.
Since its inception, TrustChain has distributed over €4.5 million in funding to 43 companies. The initiative is focused on protecting human rights and democratic processes online, areas increasingly threatened by misinformation and fake identities. As Dr. Rajarajan Muttukrishnan, Professor and Director of the Institute of Cyber Security at City, University of London, and part of TrustChain’s core team, noted, “Misinformation and deepfakes are pervasive, especially during elections and conflicts. We’re investing in blockchain and tamper-resistant technologies from leading new startups to bolster trust in democracy.”
The startups were selected from a competitive pool of 162 applicants and will each receive up to €117,000. These winners hail from 10 European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, and France, and their solutions encompass a range of technologies from cryptography and data aggregation to open-source IT tools and Web3 computing.
A key aspect of their work involves utilising the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) open technical standard. This standard allows for the verification of media origins, helping to combat malicious content used for propaganda, political manipulation, and other harmful online activities.
The 15 awarded startups are:
– ZKorum (France): Develops open-source tools to enhance inclusivity in online social interactions.
– AI-MetaBloQ (Greece): Offers IT solutions for the life sciences sector, integrating diverse entities.
– Compellio (Luxembourg): Provides global infrastructure for transitioning from Web2 to Web3 computing.
– Forkbomb BV (Netherlands): Makes cryptography more accessible through innovative components and solutions.
– ENISMARO (Italy): Tracks food production processes to ensure transparency and traceability.
– Arsys Internet (Spain): Builds a data aggregation platform to facilitate data sharing and high-quality datasets.
– Acurraent UG (Germany): Assists SMEs in restructuring and digitalizing, with a focus on UX/UI and Web3 research.
– In Trade 4 You (Italy): Helps businesses access international trade opportunities.
– QX by Pick (Poland): Enhances customer experiences with a blockchain-based travel wallet and digital ID.
– Digital Democracy World (Sweden): A non-profit supporting effective democratic organization.
– Pavlos Efraimidis (Greece): Creates FLORA, an ovulation tracking app prioritizing transparency and privacy.
– City and Me doo Nis (Serbia): Provides digital solutions for interactive and sustainable communities.
– Gheorghe Asachi Tech, University Iasi (Romania): Nurtures ideas, projects, and business plans through a trustworthy open-source platform.
– SecureOpinion (United Kingdom): Uses blockchain technology to secure public opinion sharing on social media.
– Neuron AI (Greece): Develops artificial intelligence solutions for the EU and beyond.
These startups are set to play a crucial role in enhancing online trust and transparency through innovative blockchain solutions.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
