Objective
Formal verification of software systems can, in theory, provide mathematical certainty about their correctness or security. However, current approaches imply a significant, cross-cutting impact on systems' architecture, legacy implementations, and even their long-term engineering processes and developer staffing. In this project, we develop an alternative approach for realistic embedded systems, based on micro-verification and results from our UniversalContracts ERC project. Relying on commodity CPU security primitives, micro-verification allows us to restrict the formal verification of systems to a small, properly encapsulated TCB, combined with a largely unmodified legacy software stack and its existing software engineering process. Formal characterisations of the security properties of real ISAs from the UniversalContracts project will allow us to still provide full-stack guarantees, rigorously validated against official ISA semantics. The resulting approach promises (1) low-cost verification of application-specific security properties, (2) rigorous foundational guarantees in realistic system models, but also (3) compatibility with organisations' existing legacy software, non-expert developer staff and engineering process. Based on industry requirements and feature prioritisation, we intend to produce a proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrator system, use industry input to identify and prioritise missing features, evaluate the market potential, and identify further research opportunities.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.