[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 15, 2026

€4,000,000 to €5,000,000 per project | ~7 projects funded | Duration typically up to 36 months

Funds projects advancing XR and Web 4.0 technologies for immersive, human-centric virtual worlds, emphasizing real-world demonstrators, interoperability, and societal impact.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports ambitious research and innovation projects aimed at developing core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0. The focus is on eXtended Reality (XR), immersive, and interactive technologies that enable highly detailed, human-centric, and realistic virtual environments. Projects should leverage generative AI for personalization, enhance visualization and interaction, and address interoperability across platforms, including integration with Telco-Cloud-to-Edge Continuum. Demonstrators in real-world industrial and societal scenarios are required, and social sciences and humanities (SSH) expertise must be included to maximize societal impact. The initiative is part of the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds, aiming to position Europe as a leader in immersive digital innovation. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available budget for this topic: €30,000,000 - Expected contribution per project: €4,000,000 to €5,000,000 - Indicative number of grants: 7 - Typical project duration: up to 36 months (other durations possible if justified) --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and the following associated countries: Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. - Entities from other countries may be eligible if they become associated with Horizon Europe before grant signature (see [List of Participating Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf)). - Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate. - Entities controlled by non-eligible countries/entities may face additional restrictions unless guarantees are provided. - SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) expertise is required in project consortia. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The submission system opens January 15, 2026. - Proposals must follow the format and page limits described in the official application forms and [Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria and processes are detailed in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) and [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must include real-world demonstrators in industrial and/or societal scenarios. - Proposals should address standards, data formats, and protocols for interoperability and seamless user interaction. - Collaboration and complementarity with other Horizon Europe projects is encouraged. - For full details, consult the [topic description page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). --- ## External Links - [Funder Home Page](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) - [Official Call Page & Topic Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=8&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [List of Participating Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Resource | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points| [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | ---

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

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