VWP Annual Forum 2026

The Virtual Worlds Partnership (VWP) Annual Forum is a reference meeting point for Europe’s immersive technologies ecosystem. The Annual Forum reflects this mission: it is where strategic priorities are discussed, cross-sector alliances are formed, and Europe’s Virtual Worlds agenda takes shape. In 2026, we invite you to join us in Valencia to collectively define the next phase of Europe’s immersive transformation.

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

The VWP Annual Forum 2026 will be held in conjunction with EuroXR 2026, creating a unique convergence of scientific excellence, industrial innovation and policy leadership.

This co-location reinforces the VWP’s commitment to bridging communities and accelerating deployment pathways — fromresearch results to market uptake and societal impact.

Participants will engage in:

High-level strategic keynotes
Industry–policy roundtables
Cross-sector working sessions
Targeted networking opportunities
XR innovation showcases and demonstrations

For two days, Valencia will become Europe’scentral hub for Virtual Worlds dialogue.

‍Strategic Focus 2026

Building on recent European initiatives and strategic reflections — including work on Human Rights in Immersive Realities —this year’s Forum will concentrate on:

Strengthening Europe’s global positioning in Virtual Worlds and XR
Industrial deployment and scale-up strategies
Regulatory and ethical frameworks for immersive environments
Investment and ecosystem development

The discussions will directly contribute to shaping future research, innovation and policy directions at European level.

‍Why attend?

The VWP Forum is not just another conference. It is the platform where Europe’s immersive stakeholders align visions, identify priorities and generate coordinated action.

If you are shaping, funding, regulating,deploying or researching Virtual Worlds technologies in Europe, this is whereyour voice belongs.

‍Participation & Registration

Please register here!

The agenda will be available shortly.

We look forward to welcoming you to Valencia.

‍Organised by

The VWP Annual Forum 2026 is organised by the VirtualWorlds Partnership (VWP), in collaboration with EuroXR and supported by European and local partners.

The event is funded by the Coordinated and Support Action (CSA) NOVA, grant agreement number 101296278