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The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) is launching a major funding opportunity to support Virtual Worlds Test Beds - large-scale facilities where European companies can develop, test, and validate immersive technologies such as XR, digital twins, AI, IoT, cloud computing and others.
In simple terms, the EU will fund the creation of a giant sandbox where innovators can trial new virtual world solutions in real-life conditions before they reach the market.
Deadline: 3 March 2026
Budget: €17 million
Funding rate: 50%
Duration: 48–60 months
Video presentation
Who Can Apply?
Eligible participants include:
- Technology providers and users of Virtual World solutions.
- Research and innovation organisations (universities, RTOs).
- Private companies, startups, and SMEs developing XR or digital twin solutions.
- Public bodies, industrial associations, and NRENs.
- Ethical and legal experts in data, cybersecurity, and standardisation.
Each consortium must have at least four partners from three eligible countries, including one research organisation and one private company.
Objectives of the Call
The Virtual Worlds Test Beds aim to:
- Accelerate the uptake of immersive and extended reality technologies in Europe.
- Bridge the gap between research and market deployment.
- Strengthen European digital sovereignty and competitiveness.
- Promote interoperable, ethical, and human-centric virtual world solutions.
This action supports companies, research centres, and institutions looking to transform immersive technologies into market-ready products.
Scope and Activities
Projects funded under this call will:
- Build cross-border networks of test facilities combining physical and virtual infrastructures.
- Provide access to hardware, XR devices, computing power, software tools, and expert support.
- Allow companies to test in real environments such as factories, hospitals, or training centres.
- Integrate technologies including AI, IoT, edge computing, photonics, and sensors.
- Address legal, data protection, cybersecurity, and interoperability issues.
- Explore regulatory sandboxes supervised by authorities, enabling innovators to test new solutions safely and in compliance with EU law.
Expected Outcomes and Deliverables
The Virtual Worlds Test Beds will help Europe move from lab to market by providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to validate innovative technologies.
Expected results include:
- Faster technology validation and market readiness (TRL 8).
- Demonstrators and a catalogue of testbed services.
- Long-term sustainability plans for the facilities.
- Increased European IP ownership and industrial competitiveness.
- Creation of regulatory frameworks and best practices for Virtual Worlds.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Successful projects should demonstrate measurable impact through:
- Number of facilities, demonstrators, and end-users engaged.
- SME participation and cross-border collaboration.
- Cost savings, efficiency gains, and user satisfaction.
- Solutions reaching TRL 8, including certified and patented technologies.
- Growth of European market share in Virtual Worlds technologies.
Why This Matters for European Innovation
This initiative will make Europe a leader in Virtual World innovation, connecting technology, business, and policy under one ecosystem.
By offering real-world testing, access to advanced tools, and regulatory flexibility, the Virtual Worlds Test Beds will boost Europe’s competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
How Tiko Pro Can Help
At Tiko Pro, we specialise in EU funding consultancy and have successfully supported multiple projects under the Digital Europe Programme.
We can assist your organisation in:
- Defining the project concept and consortium strategy.
- Preparing the complete grant application.
- Managing and reporting during project execution.
Interested in joining the consortium?
Contact us at info@tiko-pro.eu to explore opportunities under this call.
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