Become a Member

Apply now! Expert Group "Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) / Digital Identity"

Become part of the re-established Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) Expert Group and help define the future identity architecture of Catena-X — evolving from a single trust anchor to a federated trust model and leading the integration of overarching trust infrastructures such as the European Business Wallet.

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the re-establishment of the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) / Digital Identity Expert Group, with a planned start in August 2026.

 

Purpose

Catena-X invites participation in the re-establishment of the Self-Sovereign Identity Expert Group (SSI EG). The group will define the future identity architecture of Catena-X in alignment with emerging trust frameworks across various global regions (e.g. the European Business Wallet). The SSI EG operates at a strategic inflection point where Catena-X must transition from a Catena-X-specific digital identity architecture to integrating with overarching, external trust infrastructure.

 

Key Goals

  • Positioning in the European Identity Ecosystem (EUDI): Define Catena-X’s role and advise on whether Catena-X should act as consumer, contributor, or co-designer within the eIDAS 2.0 and European Business Wallet (EBW) ecosystem.
  • Evolve the Trust Model and Infrastructure: Transition from a single trust anchor (CSP-B) to a federated trust model, and evaluate the replacement or abstraction of the Gaia-X Digital Clearing House (GXDCH) and related dependencies.
  • Support Overarching Trust Infrastructures: Continually evaluate and update the Catena-X digital identity architecture to ensure eventual compatibility with overarching trust frameworks and technologies such as EU Business Wallets.
  • Ensure Interoperability: Enable interoperability with participants’ existing digital identity infrastructure for deeper integration of the Catena-X ecosystem into enterprise IT.

 

Deliverables

The SSI EG owns, maintains, and further develops the following standards:

  • CX-0049 – DID Document Schema
  • CX-0050 – Framework Agreement Credential
  • CX-0149 – Dataspace Identity and Identification
  • CX-NFR-IdP – Identity Proofing

Core topics for 2026–2027 include:

  • Identity Proving: Evaluate the current identity proving process and provide a recommendation on whether the dependency on the Gaia-X clearing house should be maintained, including alternative short-term methods of identity proving.
  • Catena-X SSI Architecture: Evolve the SSI architecture from a state where VC issuance is limited to one entity to a more flexible architecture, allowing several roles to issue, hold, and verify VCs — including participant-to-participant issuance. This includes keeping data models and protocols up to date (e.g. VC Data Model v1.1 vs v2.0).
  • Leverage Overarching Trust Architecture: Lead the integration of emerging overarching trust architectures, such as EU Business Wallets and EU Company Credentials.

 

Why participate?

  • Strategic Influence: Shape Catena-X’s positioning within the European identity ecosystem (eIDAS 2.0, EUDI, EBW).
  • Architectural Impact: Drive the transition from a single trust anchor to a federated trust model.
  • Standard Ownership: Contribute directly to key identity standards (CX-0049, CX-0050, CX-0149, CX-NFR-IdP).
  • Future-Readiness: Lead the integration of emerging trust infrastructures such as EU Business Wallets and EU Company Credentials.

 

Who should apply?

  • Catena-X Membership: A core understanding of Catena-X and data spaces is required, including familiarity with relevant standards (CX-0006, CX-0018, CX-0049, CX-0050, CX-0149, CX-NFR-IdP).
  • Expertise: Digital identity, self-sovereign identity, and identity access management — preferably including relevant protocols and identifiers (e.g. W3C Decentralized Identifiers, VC Data Model, Decentralized Claims Protocol, OpenID4VCI/VP).
  • Active Contribution: Mandatory contributions to standards development, architecture decisions, and alignment with implementation tracks.
  • Dataspace Principles: Common understanding of dataspace principles.

Additional requirements for Lead / Co-Lead:

  • Experience leading technical groups and driving cross-company alignment.
  • Coordination with the Network Service Committee (NSC) on governance, roadmap, and release cycles.
  • Preferably Catena-X / Tractus-X experience, including understanding of the identity stack, onboarding architecture, and ecosystem dependencies.

 

Commitment

A minimum of ≥ 70% meeting participation is required due to high coordination and decision density. Active contribution is mandatory.

Further details are available in the Expert Group Profile.

 

How to apply

Participation is recommended for a maximum of 10 companies, with a consistently same group of individuals.

All registered members received an email from info@catena-x.net on August 4, 2026 regarding the call for applications, including a link to the application form.

If you are a member of the association and have not received this email, please contact the primary contact person in your organisation. If you can’t reach this person, in urgent cases, please write an email to info@catena-x.net.

Please submit your application by September 4, 2026.

Association Contact: Stephan Bauer

 

We look forward to your application.