What is this partnership about

The European Partnership for Virtual Worlds supports research and innovation on immersive digital environments. These environments combine 3D technologies, extended reality, simulation and real time interaction.

At EU level, virtual worlds are seen as enabling technology for industry, healthcare, education, culture, media and public services. This partnership is part of the broader EU policy on Web 4.0 and virtual worlds led by the European Commission.

The partnership was launched in December 2025 and is implemented under Horizon Europe, mainly via Cluster 4 Digital Industry and Space.

Who is involved

The partnership is implemented together with the Virtual Worlds Association, which represents industry, research organisations, universities and other stakeholders.

Founding members include several Flemish organisations such as VRT, KU Leuven and IMEC, alongside many European players from industry and research. Siemens is leading the consortium.

Membership of the Association is open and gives access to networking, agenda setting and early insight into future calls.

What is funded

The partnership itself does not fund projects directly. Funding is provided through Horizon Europe calls that support the partnership objectives.

These calls typically fund:

• Coordination and support actions for ecosystem building
• Research and innovation actions aligned with virtual worlds priorities
• Activities on interoperability, standards, ethics and governance
• Use cases in sectors such as manufacturing, media, health and education

Indicative EU funding linked to the partnership is up to around €200 million over the programme period, matched by private investment from partners.

Relevant Horizon Europe calls

Virtual Worlds topics appear under Horizon Europe Cluster 4 work programmes. The first call appeared in 2025, future calls are expected in the 2026 to 2027 work programme. Applicants should always check the official Funding and Tenders Portal for the latest call texts and deadlines.

Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

The partnership follows a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, SRIA.

Key focus areas include:

• Core technologies such as XR, digital twins and real time simulation
• Interoperability and open standards
• Human centric design, ethics and trust
• Skills development and workforce impact
• Sector specific use cases

Aligning a proposal with the SRIA is essential for relevance.

Why this may be relevant for Flemish stakeholders

This partnership is relevant if you:

• Develop or use XR, simulation or immersive 3D technologies
• Work in sectors like manufacturing, media, health, education or culture
• Are interested in shaping EU level research agendas
• Want access to European consortia and large scale funding

Flanders already has strong players in this domain, which lowers the barrier to entry for new applicants.

How to proceed

Practical next steps:

• Monitor Horizon Europe Cluster 4 calls linked to virtual worlds
• Join or follow the Virtual Worlds Association
• Attend EU info days and brokerage events on virtual worlds topics
• Contact NCP Flanders for proposal guidance, partner search and eligibility checks

Usefull links

• The press release of the launch of the Partnership. 
• The website of the Virtual Worlds Association
• The Partnerships Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) here. It contains
• The Virtual Worlds partnership is a key deliverable of the EU Strategy on Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds