XR4Europe has released a comprehensive Public Report analysing EU investments in extended reality and virtual worlds projects, with a focus on Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Together, these programmes have provided over €665 million in funding distributed across 182 projects, illustrating the scale and diversity of Europe’s approach to supporting immersive technology development.
Scope and Structure of Funding
H2020 supported 91 XR-relevant projects with a total of €336.6 million, prioritising Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs). More than €200 million was allocated to 39 major RIA projects. On the other hand, Horizon Europe’s support represents shift to more deployment-oriented approach putting more emphasis on the Innovation Actions (IAs). This is reflected in a more balanced distribution of funding – €139.8 million for RIAs and €121.6 million for Innovation Actions (IAs).
Institutional Leaders and Participation Patterns
Leading XR project coordinators include institutions such as CERTH, CNR, and MAGGIOLI. Major participants also include Fraunhofer and F6S, who are engaged in multiple projects under both programmes. However, the distribution of involvement is uneven from the perspective of the geographical distribution. Countries in Central and Eastern Europe remain underrepresented, despite strong professional and academic XR communities.
Concentration by Region
Funding for XR and virtual worlds projects is highly concentrated in metropolitan hubs. Paris, Helsinki, Barcelona, and Athens collectively account for more than €116 million in total contributions under H2020 and HEU programmes. The accompanying map visualises this regional concentration, with standout beneficiaries in France, Finland and Spain.
Multiple new calls are scheduled, including four dedicated to virtual worlds. Horizon Europe is on track to surpass H2020 funding by over €100 million by 2027.
Acknowledgements
The public version of the full report, complete with detailed funding data, institutional lists, and regional analyses, is freely downloadable at xr4europe.eu/resources/. It serves as both a snapshot and a roadmap for the future of XR and virtual worlds innovation across Europe.