Specific support for the Virtual Worlds Partnership and the Web 4.0 initiative (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development and implementation of research and innovation agendas for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 in Europe. It aims to create a strong ecosystem for these technologies that is inclusive, trustworthy, and sustainable. The focus areas include advancing immersive virtual experiences, promoting a human-centered approach to Web 4.0, supporting standardization, and addressing ethical, legal, and societal aspects. The grant encourages the adoption of these technologies across all EU Member States and Associated Countries, with possible participation from certain non-EU countries that meet specific funding provisions.

• Projects must align with the development and implementation of Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIA) for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0.
• Proposals must follow the page limits and layout specified in the official application form.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined for Horizon Europe projects.
• Proposals should cover topics such as immersive virtual experiences, human-centric Web 4.0, standardization, or ethical and societal issues.
• Projects must contribute to the ecosystem for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 in Europe.

Examples:

• A project creating guidelines for ethical virtual world development across Europe.
• An initiative to standardize technical protocols for interoperability in Web 4.0 platforms.
• A research program promoting the adoption of inclusive and trustworthy virtual environments in education.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 2.500.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be from countries eligible for Horizon Europe funding (EU Member States, Associated Countries, and some non-EU countries with specific provisions).
• Proposals must be submitted according to the official guidelines and application forms.
• Applicants should ensure their project aligns with the thematic focus on Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0.
• Eligibility may depend on specific provisions for funding in non-EU/non-Associated Countries.
• Projects must respect the proposal formatting and page limits set in the application system.