Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

Overview

Supports the development and promotion of a competitive, inclusive, and interoperable Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem in the EU. Targets consortia of academia, industry, public actors, and end-users to strengthen research, standardisation, and adoption of virtual worlds technologies.

Who Can Apply

Consortia involving academia, research and technology organisations (RTOs), industry (including SMEs), public actors, and end-users. Proposals must be driven by relevant stakeholders in the field.

Funding Details

Maximum funding amount: 44,000,000 EUR. Total budget and funding rate not specified.

What Is Funded

• Review and update of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for Virtual Worlds in Europe.
• Strengthening of the European Virtual Worlds Partnership and its ecosystem.
• Outreach and awareness programmes to promote adoption and trust in Virtual Worlds technologies.
• Support for standardisation efforts to ensure interoperable, open, and ethical solutions.
• Coordination at regional, national, and EU levels to align initiatives across Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme, and other funding schemes.
• Engagement of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines to enhance societal impact.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Focus on developing and deploying Virtual Worlds technologies and solutions that are open, interoperable, and aligned with EU values.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-11-16
• Deadline: 2027-03-17

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout described in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Beneficiaries must notify the granting authority before transferring ownership or granting exclusive licences of project results.
• The granting authority may object to such transfers or licences up to four years after the end of the action.
• Cohesion activities with the Virtual Worlds Partnership and related funded actions are required.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries include EU Member States and Associated Countries. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must allocate tasks to cohesion activities with the Virtual Worlds Partnership.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, including SSH expertise.
• Standardisation efforts must support the EU regulatory framework.
• Duration of projects is typically 36 months, though other durations may be considered.