The UAB joins the Virtual Worlds Association to boost European virtual worlds
The UAB has joined the Virtual Worlds Association, a European non-profit organisation created in 2025 that serves as a bridge between industries, universities and research organisations, with the aim of constructing an innovation ecosystem that enables the creation of virtual worlds that contribute to Europe's economy and society.
The Virtual Worlds Association (VWA) is the main private representative within the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds, a public-private initiative promoted within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme.
In the 2025–2027 period, the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds and the European Commission will be managing a total budget of 400 million euros. Half of this amount comes from the Horizon Europe programme, while the other half is provided by the association’s members. This investment is intended to define strategic research and innovation agendas for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds, ensuring that technologies move from laboratories to the real market. The project seeks to ensure that these digital environments (metaverses, digital replicas and other environments) are based on the principles of openness, trust, sustainability and human-centred design, in contrast to closed models in other regions.
The incorporation of the UAB into the VWA will bring new key dimensions to the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds. The University will be contributing with its expertise in the use of immersive technologies to enrich learning, promote inclusion and accessibility, and enhance new forms of cultural expression, the dissemination of cultural heritage and citizen participation.
This collaboration strengthens the role of universities in defining Europe's digital future and opens the door to new research and innovation projects that connect technology and society.