Virtual Worlds Skills Academy: Join the discussion and find project partners!

Objective: This academy will address the training needs of an evolving industry: all technological blocks of virtual worlds. Its interdisciplinary approach covers technologies such as extended reality, 3D graphics, blockchain, computer vision, and more, alongside complementary fields like law, ethics, and design. The academy will provide specialised training for sector specialists—from healthcare to cultural industries—as well as foundational courses to empower citizens with an understanding of virtual world technologies.

Scope: Proposals are expected to focus on the following, under the three pillars below:

Pillar 1: Knowledge, education and training focuses on developing interdisciplinary education and training programmes combining innovative technologies (e.g. XR, AI, blockchain), creative disciplines (e.g. storytelling, design), and social sciences (e.g. ethics, law). The Academy will establish a Competence and Qualification Framework (CQF) aligned with EU labour market needs and ensure quality through coordination with ELEVATE. It will offer a comprehensive catalogue of modular programmes for higher education students, academic staff, VET learners and teachers, professionals across sectors, and citizens. Programmes will be practice-oriented, promote industry collaboration, and be accessible via the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform.

Pillar 2: Building the ecosystem aims to establish a strong, sustainable network of EU stakeholders involved in virtual worlds skills development, including education providers, industry, public institutions, and NGOs. The Academy will collaborate with key EU initiatives like ELEVATE, EIT Campus, Erasmus+, and the Pact for Skills to enhance synergies and expand its reach. It will engage stakeholders in awareness campaigns, competitions, and practical training opportunities (e.g. internships, scholarships), supported by Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP). A clear sustainability plan will ensure long-term impact, with a focus on scaling education programmes across Europe, attracting diverse talent, and reinforcing industry involvement.

Pillar 3: Measuring progress focuses on tracking and evaluating how effectively the Academy addresses the virtual worlds skills gap, aligning with EU frameworks and Digital Decade targets. Proposals must outline a solid methodology for labour market monitoring, curriculum relevance, and programme delivery, with built-in mechanisms to adjust actions based on evidence. Emphasis is placed on clear rationale for course design, student support (e.g. scholarships, internships), and the role of international and cross-border collaboration. Demonstrating impact through effective communication, outreach, and talent attraction strategies is key, with a focus on inclusivity and benefits to the EU industry.

Type of action and funding rate: Lump Sum Grants — 50% funding rate

Funding: € 10.000.000
Deadline: The application deadline is 2 September 2025 – 17:00:00 CEST (Brussels)
Call Text: The call for proposal text can be viewed here. 
Call Information: Available on the Funding & Tender Portal.
Info session: On 16 May 2025, the European Commission will presentDIGITAL Europe Programme 8th Call for Sectoral digital skills academies. Register now!

Find Project Partners & Prepare Proposals  

Do you want to find consortia partners and participate in this call?  

Simply use the Comments feature at the bottom of this tread to introduce your organisation, express your interest in creating or joining a consortia, indicate your desired role in the project, and provide a link to your Member Profile on the platform or your personal email address. You can see some organisations have already added their profiles below, so feel free to follow their lead! 

You can also message Community Members directly using the new Private Messages feature, just click the Messages button on the top right of the screen when you are logged in as shown in the screen grab below. This is an excellent way to contact potential partners in a secure and discrete manner. 

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If you have questions or comments our Community Team are ready and waiting to help.  

Best of luck with your proposals!