The Advancing the did:ethr Method Specification RFP is an initiative aimed at modernizing a foundational component of Ethereum’s identity ecosystem. The did:ethr method is a decentralized identifier (DID) system based on ERC-1056 smart contracts. It allows for onchain identity management that can be interpreted by both smart contracts and external systems. Despite its widespread use, the current did:ethr specification and reference tools have lagged behind recent developments in decentralized identity standards, such as those from W3C and the Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF).
This funding opportunity seeks proposals that will realign the did:ethr method with these evolving standards. The core objectives are to update the existing specification, enhance compatibility across Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, and improve the supporting software libraries and testing infrastructure. Applicants are expected to identify gaps in the current implementation, address these in line with the latest identity specifications, and assist in the process to have did:ethr formally recognized under the DIF's “Recommended” process.
Beyond technical upgrades, the initiative emphasizes documentation and community engagement. Funded work must include clear developer documentation, real-world deployment case studies, and renewed outreach within Ethereum and identity communities. Additionally, the specification's long-term viability is a priority—grantees must either provide a clear handoff plan or commit to ongoing maintenance of the method and associated tooling.
Projects funded through this RFP should deliver open-source outputs under a permissive license. Proposals should show collaboration with relevant working groups and demonstrate how improvements will be communicated to and adopted by the broader identity ecosystem. The effort should reflect not only conformance with technical standards but also responsiveness to the operational realities of decentralized identity in production.
The RFP opened on November 2, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is January 2, 2026. The expected project duration ranges from one to four months, depending on the proposal scope. Detailed deliverables, scope, evaluation metrics, and proposal requirements are available in the official RFP link provided in the source announcement. While there is no formal pre-application step required, applicants are encouraged to review all resources and ensure alignment with both Ethereum community needs and emerging identity protocols.
Emphasize conformance with DID standards, tooling improvements, and documented community impact.
