Developing and demonstrating core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 (IA) (Virtual worlds Partnership)

Purpose of Funding and Focus Areas
The European Partnership on Virtual Worlds supports international consortia consisting of companies, educational institutions, non-profit and public organizations, as well as start-ups in the development and demonstration of pioneering core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0. The goal is to create interoperable XR technologies, immersive interaction concepts, and sovereign Web 4.0 architectures. The focus is on advanced display, haptic, and multisensory solutions that ensure seamless integration of telco cloud and edge infrastructures. Key aspects include the application of generative AI to personalize user experiences, the development of open data formats and protocols for real-time communication, and the integration of socio-technical expertise to enhance societal benefits. Funding covers personnel, material, and subcontractor costs at a rate of up to 70% (100% for non-profit organizations), with a project duration of 36 months and funding amounts between €4 and €5 million per project. Submissions are possible under Horizon Europe as Innovation Actions (IA) until April 15, 2026.

Requirements and Evaluation
Applications must be submitted by a consortium of at least three independent partners from two countries within the EU or associated third countries. Legal establishment, financial, and implementation capacities will be assessed. Projects must meet the criteria of innovation content, societal and economic impact, as well as quality and efficiency of implementation. A focus is placed on demonstration in real-world application scenarios and the integration of demonstrators in industrial and societal contexts. The selection of successful proposals is carried out by an independent panel of experts with transparent evaluation based on established thresholds. Projects awarded the Seal of Excellence may be presented to other funding bodies in case of unsuccessful placement due to budget caps. Interested consortia benefit from extensive support through the EU Web & Tenders Portal and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.