Event
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June 16, 2026

1st Virtual Worlds Partnership online event

The first online meeting of the Virtual Worlds Partnership will take place on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, from 13:00 to 15:30 CEST. Co-organised by the European Commission's DG CONNECT and the Virtual Worlds Association, this session is exclusively open to Virtual Worlds Partnership members.

Introduction

Virtual Worlds, solving real world problemsVirtual Worlds (VW) represent a transformative convergence of physical and digital realities, creatingimmersive environments where users can interact, work, learn and play in unprecedented ways. ThisStrategic Research and Innovation Agenda identifies the required foundational concepts andtechnological advancements driving VW, highlighting their potential to revolutionise various sectors,including industry, entertainment, education, and commerce. By examining the interplay betweenAugmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), or Mixed Reality (MR) and other emerging technologies likeDigital Twins (DT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of VWs'prospects and associated research and innovation gaps. A deeper exploration of VWs' impact on societyand the economy gives context to the application and technology perspectives.VW are persistent, immersive environments, based on technologies including 3D and extended reality(XR), which make it possible to blend physical and digital worlds in real-time, for a variety of purposessuch as designing, making simulations, collaborating, learning, socialising, carrying out transactions orproviding entertainment1. They encompass a wide range of digital experiences, from fully i

Introduction

The Virtual Worlds Partnership (VWP) is a Co-Programmed Partnership between the European Commission and the Virtual Worlds Association, established to drive Europe's leadership in immersive technologies and virtual worlds. Since its launch, the Partnership has produced tangible outputs (including position papers, working group activities, and contributions to Horizon Europe research calls), and is now entering a new phase of collaborative engagement.

This first online meeting brings together Partnership members and European Commission representatives to take stock of what has been achieved and collectively shape the path ahead. This meeting marks an important milestone: the first dedicated online gathering of the Partnership since its formal establishment. It will provide a structured space to review achievements, align on strategic priorities, and engage directly with the European Commission on the future direction of the VWP.

Agenda highlights

  • VWP Updates and Latest Developments. An overview of the EC's Virtual Worlds strategy and the role of the VWP, including Working Group progress, published position papers (Virtual Worlds & Defence; XR Chips & Components Pilot Line), and past and upcoming Horizon Europe VWP calls.
  • VWA Upcoming Activities: presentation of the VWA's next steps and how members can engage with forthcoming initiatives.
  • Interactive Breakout Session with the European Commission: a structured working session in small groups with EC representatives, followed by a plenary debrief, designed to gather direct input from Partnership members on priorities and needs.
  • Open Floor for Questions: an opportunity for all participants to raise questions and engage in open dialogue.
  • Next Steps and Closure

Register

This meeting is open to Virtual Worlds Partnership members. To confirm your attendance, please register via the link below. The Google Meet link will be shared upon registration.

👉 [REGISTRATION LINK]

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