The NANCY project is taking a major step toward building more secure, private, and efficient wireless networks with the introduction of its Blockchain-based marketplace for Beyond-5G (B5G) services. This innovative platform combines cutting-edge security technologies—including post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and self-sovereign identity (SSI)—to give users and service providers unprecedented control, privacy, and protection in next-generation digital networks.
As wireless networks evolve to support everything from smart cities to connected vehicles, ensuring privacy, security, and trustworthy service delivery becomes essential. NANCY’s marketplace addresses these needs by allowing multiple stakeholders—not just traditional operators—to offer and access network resources through a secure, automated platform.
Smart, Secure, and Future-Ready
The marketplace uses blockchain technology to securely match service providers with consumers, automate contract creation, and apply smart pricing policies. All transactions are recorded immutably, ensuring transparency and trust. For added flexibility, the platform can dynamically split its blockchain into smaller, dedicated chains, maintaining high performance as demand grows.
To protect user identity and personal data, NANCY integrates a digital wallet based on self-sovereign identity principles. This allows users to authenticate and interact with the system without revealing unnecessary personal information.
What sets NANCY apart is its integration of post-quantum cryptography—a new generation of security techniques designed to resist potential future threats from quantum computers. This ensures that sensitive data, such as contracts or user credentials, remains secure even in the face of emerging quantum-era risks.
Key Results and Outcomes
- Blockchain-based marketplace for secure, transparent service exchange
- Smart pricing and automated contract generation
- Self-sovereign identity wallets to protect user privacy
- Integration of post-quantum cryptography for future-proof security
- Scalable, flexible platform ready for real-world B5G applications
Why it matters
Beyond-5G networks will play a critical role in powering Europe’s digital future, from connected vehicles to smart infrastructure. But with new capabilities come new risks, such as cyberattacks or privacy breaches. NANCY’s secure, privacy-first marketplace not only protects users but also paves the way for more open, decentralized participation in the network ecosystem.
“The development of an integrated PQC- and SSI-enabled wallet is a milestone beyond
— Javier Vicente, Security Project Manager at NEC Laboratories Europe
the state-of-the-art.”
Stay up to date with NANCY’s results and upcoming demonstrations:
- 🌐Website: https://nancy-project.eu
- 📺Youtube: @nancy-snsju-project
- 💼LinkedIn: @nancy-snsju-project
- 🐦X (Twitter): @NANCY_snsju
- 📘Facebook: @NANCY.SNSJU.Project
NANCY is a Horizon Europe project funded by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU). NANCY brings together 24 partners from 9 European countries to design a secure, intelligent, and energy-efficient architecture for Beyond 5G (B5G) networks.
The project has received funding from the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101096456. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or SNS JU. Neither the European Union nor the SNS JU can be held responsible for them.
