The European Commission has opened its eighth Call for Proposals under the Digital Europe Programme, dedicating €10 million to establish a Virtual World Skills Academy aimed at strengthening Europe’s talent pool in advanced digital technologies.
The initiative will support projects focused on three main areas: education and training, ecosystem building, and progress measurement. It targets the growing importance of virtual worlds in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and urban planning.
The Academy will offer interdisciplinary training across key technologies including AI, extended reality, blockchain, 3D graphics, and digital twins, while also addressing design, ethics, law, and data privacy. The programme is designed to equip both industry professionals and citizens with the skills needed to understand and benefit from virtual world technologies.
Eligible consortia must include at least three higher education institutions from different eligible countries, two industry partners, and one research organisation or centre of excellence. Inclusion of SMEs and startups is strongly encouraged. Proposals must demonstrate expertise in both technological and non-technological aspects, and experience in delivering complex education programmes.
The deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 17:00 CEST.
