Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0: Over €85 million for the European virtual world ecosystem.

The European Commission has launched the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds, a strategic partnership co-programmed under Horizon Europe aimed at strengthening European leadership in virtual worlds, Web 4.0, and Extended Reality (XR) technologies. The partnership provides up to €200 million in EU funding, matched by private investment, between 2025 and 2030.

The policy ambitions translate into funding opportunities under Cluster 4 “Digital, Industry and Space” of the Horizon Europe 2026–2027 work programme, in particular in the destination “Digital and industrial technologies driving human-centred innovation”, which includes a section dedicated to 'Virtual Worlds – Web 4.0 (Partnerships)'.

Among the various calls for proposals foreseen so far, there are:

HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01: Developing and demonstrating core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 (IA) (Virtual worlds Partnership)
Maximum project funding: EUR 5 million for three projects. Deadline: April 15, 2026.
The call aims to further integrate virtual worlds and Web 4.0 technologies through immersive, interactive, and XR technologies. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for the next generation of virtual worlds by improving immersive visualization and interaction experiences, placing users at the center of Virtual World applications, enabling seamless interaction and data exchange.
HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-02: Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA)
Maximum project funding: EUR 8.4 million for three projects. Deadline: April 15, 2026.
The call aims to stimulate the emergence of Web 4.0 (including standards, protocols, components, and a framework for their interaction) and virtual world solutions on a European and global scale.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01: Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)
Maximum project funding: EUR 5.6 million for eight projects. Deadline: March 18, 2027.
Projects are expected to further develop XR hardware, advanced headsets, displays, wearables and haptics, sensors and actuators, and advanced chips to ensure deeper and more realistic immersion, stimulating all human senses.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-02: Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)
Maximum project funding: EUR 3 million for one project. Deadline: March 18, 2027.
The aim of the call is to further develop and strengthen the community by strengthening and supporting the Virtual Worlds Partnership and its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Virtual Worlds (SRIA). The call will also lay the foundation for a strong and inclusive network bringing together academia, industry, public actors, and end-users, including key European industrial sectors and all relevant stakeholders.

For more information: info@iniziativa.cc

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Success Cases

ARACNE

Advocating the role of Silk Art and Cultural Heritage at National and European scales

Program: Horizon
Project cost: €2.999.634,50
Contribution: €2.999.634,50
Date: March 2023

RAILROAD TO 4.0

Efficiency of the production cycle by significantly reducing processing times thanks to the purchase of new railway vehicles equipped with innovative technology.

Project cost: €1.111.600,00
Non-refundable contribution: €555.800,00
Date: December 2022

Icimendue 2025

Improvement of product quality and consequent reduction of waste due to defects, thanks to the installation of automatic and innovative printing control systems.

Contract: Sustainable Investments 4.0
Project cost: €2.867.514,37
Non-refundable contribution: €1.433.757,10
Date: January 2023

Calearo Antennas

Iniziativa assisted the Venetian company, a leader in the production of components for the automotive sector, in defining the strategy and in the process of accessing the financing allocated by the GID Fund established by Invitalia.

Acquisition operation: Debt arrangement
Sector: Automobiles & Auto Parts
Deal: 7.500.000,00
Date: 2022

South Tyrol Health Authority

Technical assistance in the evaluation of a Project Financing proposal presented pursuant to paragraph 15 of the art. 183 of Legislative Decree 50/2016 relating to "Digitization and optimization of the sanitization service and the main Facility Management services of the buildings of the South Tyrol Health Authority"

Sector: Healthcare company PPP
Date: 2019

Business Process Reengineering

Business Process Reengineering intervention aimed at the upgrade and technological development of the company's IT assets; support in the design of the company performance monitoring system and in the optimization of organizational processes

Sector: Textile Company
Turnover: €36.081.512
Date: 2022

South Tyrol Health Authority

Technical assistance to the Grantor in the evaluation of a Project Financing proposal relating to an intervention for the "Supply of energy carriers (hot water, steam, electricity) for the San Maurizio hospital in Bolzano"

Sector: Healthcare company PPP
Date: 2021

Model 231 from 2001

Update of the company's Organization, Management and Control Model, drawn up pursuant to Legislative Decree 231 of 2001

Sector: Company subject to the management and coordination of Invitalia National Agency for Attracting Investments and Business Development SpA
Turnover: €11.444.972,00
Date: 2020

MISENO

Multipurpose Ital-GovSatCom application Services for Emerging user Needs and Objectives

Contract: Innovation Agreements for the Space Economy
Project cost: €8.987.370,13
Non-repayable contribution: €4.192.681,20
Date: June 2020

PUBLICAPP

Revolutionize and enhance citizen engagement through a unique dedicated public platform compassing in general aviation and unmanned aircraft applications equipment in the area of homeland security

Program: Horizon - SME Instrument
Project cost: €70.000
Contribution: €50.000
Date: 2016

Luc-Me

Large UAS Conversion – Mro Enhancement

Contract: Major R&D Projects
Project cost: €4.837.833,32
Non-refundable contribution: €2.994.688,75
Date: August 2021

Colser Services

Consultancy and support for economic-financial and procedural aspects in all phases of the procedure relating to a PPP initiative (pursuant to paragraph 15 art. 183 Legislative Decree 50/2016) relating to an "Infrastructural enhancement intervention for the integrated management of classrooms, monitoring of structures and environments, environmental hygiene services and general services for the IUAV University of Venice"

Sector: Facility Management
Date: 2020

Study, research, data analysis

Constitution of the Italian Observatory on Public Shareholdings in partnership with the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the University of Milan Bicocca with the aim of carrying out study, research, data analysis, preparation and publication of reports regarding the economic, financial and financial situation

Sector: Public-owned companies - performance analysis
Date: 2020

Management control and company organization

Design and support for the implementation of the management control system, the KPI dashboard for monitoring company performance and the optimization of the organizational structure and organizational and compliance processes from an ESG perspective

Sector: Production of Plastic Materials
Turnover: €69.978.904
Date: 2021

MUNICIPALITY OF COMELICO SUPERIORE – CABLE CAR CONNECTION WITH SOUTH TYROL

Economic-financial analysis aimed at verifying the compatibility of the aid pursuant to art. 55 of the GBER of Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014 relating to the construction of "a "system connection between the Padola-Comelico Superiore district and Passo Monte Croce Comelico di Valgrande to the Tre Picchi - Col d'La Tenda station", developed by the Municipality of Comelico Superiore (Belluno) as part of the STACCO project for the valorization of the resources of Val Comelico

Sector: Sports Facilities PPP
Date: 2023

Tecno

Iniziativa assisted Tecno in the M&A process which saw them involved in the process of acquiring 65% of Aere. The acquisition is aimed at expanding the services offered by Tecno

Acquisition transaction: Purchase of majority stake
Sector: Energy services
Deal: Undisclosed
Date: 2021

Dolciaria Acquaviva SpA

Development of new products and services, also for the innovative contents that are introduced compared to industry standards, and capable of satisfying the needs and trends of customers/consumers; as well as maximizing levels of production and management efficiency.

Contract: Development Contract
Project cost: €32.136.493,50
Non-refundable contribution: €11.473.195,00
Concessionary Financing: €2.643.220,00
Date: July 2019

Sabina Public Water

PPP operation (pursuant to Legislative Decree 50/2016) concerning the "Implementation and management of a Smart metering system for the automation of the reading and management processes of Sabina Public Water meters and the implementation of a management of data driven water resource management processes”

Sector: Digitalisation
Date: 2023

NASUM

Innovative nanotech-based detection equipment in the area of homeland security

Program: Horizon - SME Instrument
Project cost: €70.000
Contribution: €50.000
Date: 2016

EMINA Srl

Construction of a new Diagnostic and Oncology Center and for the implementation of three Industrial Research and Organizational Innovation programs

Contract: Industrial Development Contract
Project cost: €61.085.745
Non-refundable contribution: €19.304.847
Concessionary Financing: €21.000.000
Date: August 2021

SAMBA

Development of an Aeronautical seat using innovative technologies and materials for additive manufacturing and proposal of an innovative, sustainable and integrated Business Model in the Industry 4.0 perspective

Contract: Sustainable Growth Fund – “Intelligent Factory” Help Desk PON I&C 2014-2020, pursuant to Ministerial Decree 5 March 2018 Chapter III
Project cost: €213.333,75
Non-refundable contribution: €149.333,63
Concessionary Financing: €42.666,75
Date: March 2020

HERMAS

Evolution of Robotized cell for Machining and Additive manufacturing with wireless Sensor for data acquisition management and analysis

Contract: Smart Factory, Agrifood and Life Sciences
Project cost: €3.527.812,50
Contribution to spending: €1.215.398,13
Concessionary Financing: €705.562,50
Date: December 2023

Megarideas

Contract: Campania startUp 2020
Project cost: €289.377,00
Non-refundable contribution: €202.563,90
Date: July 2022

Model 231 from 2001

Support for the preparation of the company's Organization, Management and Control Model, drawn up pursuant to Legislative Decree 231 of 2001.

Sector: Wholesale trade of street sweeping machines
Turnover: €27.197.845
Date: 2023

Business Process Reengineering

Technical support in the analysis and optimization of processes with a view to upgrading the company information system and modernizing logistics activities

Sector: Soft drinks, mineral water and other bottled water industry
Turnover: €110.516.083
Date: 2020

ISTHMUS

Smart Infrastructures for Transport and Mobility

Contract: Major R&D Projects
Project cost: €5.578.468,75
Contribution to spending: €1.834.279,63
Concessionary Financing: €1.115.693,75
Date: June 2021

ROMAN GROUP

Design and support for the implementation of the economic-financial control and management control system, the design of a KPI dashboard for monitoring company performance and the optimization of organizational processes

Sector: Call Center
Date: 2023

“NSS2023

Next Smart system in a marine environment

Contract: Innovation Agreement
Project cost: €6.431.394,25
Contribution to spending: €2.000.354,01
Date: September 2020

NeZAPoB

Nearly Zero Air Pollution Building

Contract: Smart Factory, Agrifood and Life Sciences
Project cost: €1.950.188,75
Non-refundable contribution: €956.868,13
Concessionary Financing: €390.037,75
Date: December 2023

Heineken Italia SpA

Expansion of the production capacity of the Assemini site in order to cover the growing market demands for the products of the Ichnusa range

Contract: Development Contract
Project cost: €61.123.573,72
Non-refundable contribution: €13.890.446,72
Date: April 2022

€1.9 billion Production investments supported | €435 billion Investments in Research & Innovation subsidized | 200 active customers with hundreds of completed transactions | 100 Project Financing/PPP Operations Supported | €1.9 billion Production investments supported | €435 billion Investments in Research & Innovation subsidized | 200 active customers with hundreds of completed transactions | 100 Project Financing/PPP Operations Supported |