Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)
Horizon Europe · Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space · HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01
Research funding for next-generation XR hardware, haptics, sensors and brain-computer interfaces that make virtual worlds more immersive.
This call is announced but not open yet. Dates and conditions can still change.
What is this call about?
The call funds research and innovation actions developing advanced hardware for immersive virtual worlds, such as XR headsets, haptics, sensors and brain-computer interfaces. Consortia must include social sciences and humanities expertise.
What does this call fund?
Scope
The topic supports research into the next generation of XR hardware for virtual worlds: headsets, screens, wearables, haptic components, sensors and actuators, advanced chips and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for hands-free interaction. The aim is deeper, closer-to-reality immersion that stimulates all senses (sight, hearing, feel, touch and smell).
What proposals should do
- Investigate new scientific approaches, or push existing ones further, to improve synchronisation and integration of different sensory modalities
- Integrate components into fully tested devices and demonstrate them in industrial and societal scenarios
- Focus on performant, reliable, miniaturised and interoperable technologies, with inclusivity and energy efficiency at the centre
- Build on existing open standards and contribute to ongoing standardisation work
Expected outcomes
Innovative and advanced XR hardware, headsets, screens, wearables, haptic components, sensors, actuators and chips for more realistic immersion.
Other conditions
The topic requires an effective contribution from social sciences and humanities (SSH) experts and institutions. Work is expected to start at TRL 3 and reach TRL 5. Beneficiaries must notify the granting authority before transferring ownership of results or granting an exclusive licence; the authority may object for up to four years after the action ends. The topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on Virtual Worlds.
What are the key facts?
- Topic budget
- €39,000,000
- Minimum amount per project
- €4,800,000
- Maximum amount per project
- €5,600,000
- Call code
- HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01
- Programme
- Horizon Europe
- Funder
- DG CNECT and HaDEA (granting authority)
- Duration
- typically 36 months (other durations are not excluded)
- Expected number of projects
- 8
Who can apply for this call?
- Type of action: Research and Innovation Action
- The consortium must involve social sciences and humanities (SSH) experts and institutions
Check your eligibility and how your project fits
In your free account, we check the eligibility conditions against the call documents for your organisation and assess how well your project fits this call.
When is the deadline?
18 March 2027 (132 days)
18 March 2027. Single-stage submission; planned opening date 17 November 2026.
Interested in this call? Summary written with AI from the official call documents. Details can differ, so check the official call page before you apply. Read the official call documents before you decide. The official text is always binding.
Source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the official call documents. Official call page Last updated 6 October 2026.