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

October 27, 2025 | October 28, 2025

Up to €50,000 per project | Up to 6 projects funded | Project duration up to 6 months

Supports innovative projects using immersive (XR) technologies for cultural heritage, offering funding and technical mentoring.

Applicants must demonstrate a local footprint in Cyprus, Poland, or Türkiye (or be from EU/HE Associated Countries with a local presence).

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that leverage immersive technologies (such as XR, AR, and VR) for the benefit of cultural heritage. The initiative is designed to foster an interregional innovation ecosystem connecting excellence hubs in Cyprus, Poland, and Türkiye. Selected projects will address specific challenges defined by the HERIFORGE Hubs, receiving both financial support and tailored technical mentoring through a structured three-stage process (planning, development, and release). The program aims to stimulate innovation in the cultural and creative industries, enhance social resilience, and promote sustainable, place-based research and innovation strategies. --- ## Due Dates - October 27, 2025: Full application deadline (17:00 CET) - October 28, 2025: Full application deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per project: up to €50,000 - Up to 6 projects will be funded - Project support duration: up to 6 months, divided into three phases: - Plan Phase (up to 1 month, 20% of grant) - Development Phase (3 months, 50% of grant) - Release Phase (2 months, 30% of grant) - Total available funding: €300,000 --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: - SMEs (including startups) - NGOs (foundations or associations) - Natural persons (individuals) - Geographic requirements: - Applicants must be established in Cyprus, Poland, or Türkiye - Entities from other EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries are also eligible if they can demonstrate a local footprint in Cyprus, Poland, or Türkiye (e.g., local staff, business record) - Projects must address one of the specific challenges defined by the HERIFORGE Hubs and offer technical solutions that advance the state-of-the-art in immersive technologies for cultural heritage. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [FundingBox Platform](https://hub.getonepass.eu/opportunities/c/heriforge-1st-open-call-for-immersive-technologies-for-cultural-heritage). - The selection process includes: 1. Eligibility check 2. Alignment with project objectives and scope 3. Independent expert evaluation (excellence, impact, implementation) 4. Pitch session for top applicants (Jury Day) 5. Consortium selection based on evaluations and project objectives 6. Legal review before sub-grant agreement - Applicants are encouraged to review the [Open Call Terms & Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RM4pLBswEBJZnPZc4UlAfORFfa_MS-FC/view) for detailed requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must clearly articulate how their solution advances immersive technology use in cultural heritage and addresses the specific challenge of one of the HERIFORGE Hubs. - Selected projects will receive mentoring from experts in immersive tech, heritage, and business. - The program is structured to encourage collaboration between academic, business, public, and societal actors. --- ## External Links - [Official EU Funding & Tenders Portal Opportunity Page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11522?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [HERIFORGE Project Website](https://heriforge.eu/) - [Apply via FundingBox Platform](https://hub.getonepass.eu/opportunities/c/heriforge-1st-open-call-for-immersive-technologies-for-cultural-heritage) - [Open Call Terms & Conditions (PDF)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RM4pLBswEBJZnPZc4UlAfORFfa_MS-FC/view) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Helpdesk Email | [heriforge.help@fundingbox.com](mailto:heriforge.help@fundingbox.com) | | European Commission | [Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

HERIFORGE 1st Open Call

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