OPENVERSE Summit “Open and Co-Created Virtual Worlds for Europe”
September 10 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
The OPENVERSE Summit 2026 is the flagship European policy and ecosystem event dedicated to building open, interoperable, and human-centric Virtual Worlds.
Taking place in Brussels, at the heart of EU decision-making, the Summit positions Europe not only as a technological innovator, but as a global standard-setter shaping the rules and values of future immersive environments.
Organised by the OPENVERSE Coordination and Support Action (CSA), the Summit will serve as a high-level convening platform bringing together EU policymakers and institutional leaders; Horizon Europe projects and research initiatives; Industry pioneers and technology providers; Civil society representatives; Investors and ecosystem builders. Its strategic Brussels location underscores its role as a policy-driven milestone aligned with Europe’s digital priorities.
Why This Summit Matters Now
Virtual Worlds are rapidly emerging as foundational infrastructure for Europe’s digital transformation. They are reshaping:
- Industry and advanced manufacturing
- Research and innovation
- Culture and creative sectors
- Education and skills development
- Public services
- Climate resilience and sustainability
At a time when global Virtual World ecosystems are increasingly shaped by closed, proprietary platforms, Europe must advance a distinct and future-proof vision grounded in:
- Openness and interoperability
- Human-centric and ethical design
- Trust, safety, and accessibility
- Strategic autonomy and global competitiveness
Join us in Brussels to shape Europe’s open and co-created Virtual future.
Draft Agenda
09:00 – 10:00 | Registration, Welcome Coffee & OPENVERSE Exhibition Opens
10:00 –10:30 | Opening Remarks
- Welcome from OPENVERSE Coordinator: Francesco Mureddu
- Summit objectives and expected outcomes
- Keynote from EC representative – EU Strategy for Virtual Worlds, present and future.
- Openverse vision for Human-Centric & Sovereign Virtual Worlds
10:30-11:15 | SESSION 1: Future Scenarios and Roadmap for Open and Co-Created Virtual Worlds at Horizon 2030–2040
This session will explore the various possible futures for sovereign, human-centred and open virtual worlds in Europe between 2030 and 2040. Drawing on the forward-looking scenarios developed as part of the OPENVERSE project and related European initiatives, leading experts from industry, research and public policy will discuss the technological, societal, economic and governance challenges that will shape the next generation of virtual environments.
11:15–11:30 | Coffee Break & Exhibition
11:30–12:30 | SESSION 2: Virtual Worlds standardisation
As Virtual Worlds continue to evolve into critical infrastructures for Europe’s digital future, interoperability, accessibility, trust, and standardisation become essential enablers of adoption and innovation. This session will present the latest findings and strategic developments shaping the standardisation landscape, while showcasing mature OPENVERSE assets that can support future ecosystem growth.
12:30 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch & Exhibition
13:30-14:15 | SESSION 3: Co-Creation in Virtual Worlds: A toolkit to empower innovation – Info Session
This interactive informative session will present the Co-Creation Toolkit developed through the project, showcasing how participatory approaches can drive innovation in Virtual Worlds. Participants will gain first-hand insights into the toolkit’s design, practical applications, and the lessons learned from previous co-creation workshops involving diverse stakeholders.
14:15-15:00 | SESSION 4: OPENVERSE assets and legacy
This fully OPENVERSE session will showcase the project’s key assets, achievements, and enduring legacy, highlighting mature technologies, knowledge resources, and community-driven outcomes that can support the future development of virtual worlds in Europe. Through contributions from project partners, the session will present the OPENVERSE technological framework, the Virtual Worlds Observatory, and the Collective Intelligence Wiki, while exploring pathways for the long-term sustainability, adoption, and impact of project results.
15:00-15:15 | Coffee Break & Exhibition
15:15-16:00 | SESSION 5: The Role of SMEs in Shaping Open, Sovereign Virtual Worlds
The Role of SMEs in Shaping Open, Sovereign Virtual Worlds explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can act as key innovation drivers within open and sovereign Virtual World ecosystems. Through an introductory presentation by a consortium partner, followed by a panel discussion, the session will examine the opportunities, challenges, and contributions of SMEs in building interoperable and sustainable virtual environments. An interactive exchange with the audience will foster dialogue and gather insights, with the goal of producing SME-led strategic recommendations and concrete proposals to strengthen the ecosystem. The session is intended for SMEs and industry stakeholders interested in the future development of Virtual Worlds.
16:00-16:45 | SESSION 6: Sustainable Innovation in Virtual Worlds | How can a business remain sustainable in the Virtual Worlds ecosystem?
This session explores sustainability as a strategic priority for the Virtual Worlds ecosystem, building on the foresight findings of D2.3. Through a series of cross-sector lightning talks featuring SME representatives from the Observatory, the session will address the central question of how businesses can remain sustainable while operating and growing in virtual worlds. Aimed at policymakers and SMEs, the discussion is expected to generate practical sustainability pathways for businesses and provide policy-relevant insights to support green digital transitions.
16:45 – 17:30 | SESSION 7: Ethical Virtual Worlds
As immersive technologies become increasingly embedded in education, culture, and communication, ensuring that virtual worlds are developed responsibly is a growing priority. This session explores how ethical foresight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration can help shape inclusive, trustworthy, and human-centered virtual environments.
17:30 – 18:00 | Networking Reception & Exhibition Finale