The 2nd Open Call of XR2Industry Closes on February 18, 2025. This transformative initiative empowers SMEs and MidCaps to create advanced XR software solutions for industry, offering up to €275,000 per project to tackle challenges in environment mapping, avatar customization, industrial digital twins, and eye-tracking technology.
About the XR2Industry Programme
The XR2Industry (Tailoring eXtended Reality to Industry’s Needs) project, funded by the EU, aims to strengthen European sovereignty in the XR field by developing the first European XR headset. It will create a European XR reference platform to focus on data privacy, industrial relevance, openness, and a human-centric approach. This transparent and open solution will address data privacy concerns, enabling companies to manage their data policies effectively and supporting the deployment of XR technology in the industry.
Coordinated by Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), XR2Industry involves nine partners from four EU countries. The project will run three open calls to support up to 12 beneficiaries, distributing €4.8 million to boost the European XR ecosystem and drive impact across the continent.
Results from the 1st Open Call
The XR2Industry 1st Open Call for Hardware Enablers focused on supporting the development of innovative hardware components for Extended Reality (XR), aiming to integrate emerging technologies to enhance XR experiences. With a total budget of €3.5M, the call targeted SMEs and mid-cap companies creating foundational components for XR solutions.
Out of 101 applications, 7 proposals were selected to address key industry challenges. Each participant could receive up to €500,000, along with mentoring and support for product development and integration. Results were announced in late December, and the names of the selected participants will be revealed in late February.
Why Apply?
The XR2Industry 2nd Open Call for Software Integration aims to select up to two SMEs or MidCaps to develop interoperability and standardization solutions for the widespread adoption of XR technologies. Applicants will address one of the specified challenges outlined in the call, focusing on advancing XR integration.
Each selected company can receive up to €275,000 through a 12-month Support Programme, divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: Individual Mentoring Plan (2 months) – Up to €55,000 for tailored guidance and planning.
- Stage 2: Development (5 months) – Up to €110,000 to create innovative solutions.
- Stage 3: Integration (5 months) – Up to €110,000 to ensure smooth implementation and compatibility.
Selected participants will also benefit from access to cutting-edge XR tools and resources, mentorship from leading XR and industry experts, and opportunities to showcase their projects to a network of industry leaders and stakeholders. This structured program is designed to accelerate impactful XR solutions while fostering collaboration and standardization in the XR ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
A single SME or MidCap registered as a legal entity before December 17, 2024, is eligible to apply if based in one of the following regions:
- EU Member States and their Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT)
- Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Entities subject to EU restrictive measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) are not eligible.
What activities can be funded?
The XR2Industry initiative seeks projects that develop and integrate innovative, interoperable software using emerging technologies like 5G/6G, IoT, AI, edge and cloud computing, and microelectronics. These projects should drive standardisation for widespread XR adoption, enhance the interoperability of hardware and software, and ensure a seamless user experience.
Proposals must address one of the following specific challenges:
- Tracking environment – Development of a tracking system for VR headset
- Avatar customization- Development of avatar customization solutions in VR
- Industrial digital twin- Development of industrial digital twin
- Eye tracking- Development of an eye-tracking service for Android-based standalone headsets
Proposed solutions must have a TRL of 5-7.
More information on each particular challenge and its requirements can be found in the guide for applicants.
How to apply?
Applications must be sent using the Fundingbox portal, through this link.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 18th of February at 17:00 (Brussels time)
Evaluation Process
The selection process for the Open Call proposals will take place in four phases:
- Step 1 will ensure that proposals meet the necessary admissibility and eligibility conditions.
- Step 2 will involve an In/Out Scope Screening, focusing on the alignment of the proposals with the project’s goals and their European relevance.
- Step 3 will see three external evaluators assess the proposals based on three criteria: excellence, impact, and quality. Each section has a threshold of 3 out of 5 points, and the total maximum score is 15 points, with a minimum required score of 10 points to move forward.
- Step 4 will have the XR2Industry Consortium and experts review the rankings to select a provisional list of third-party projects, as well as a reserve list.
Payment and Funding
Beneficiary projects under Horizon Europe can receive up to €275,000 in lump sum funding, assessed based on milestones such as deliverables, KPIs, and deadlines. Reviews will focus on three weighted criteria:
- Deliverable quality (30%)
- Technical performance (60%)
- Deadline compliance (10%).
Beneficiaries need a minimum score of 7 to continue receiving funding and participating in the programme. If a project falls below the threshold, the Selection Committee will carefully review the case, considering any external factors that may have impacted performance. Projects meeting the criteria will receive their next payment and continue progressing through the programme, while those who don’t will be invited to leave.
The payment schedule is divided as follows:
Final thoughts
XR2Industry is dedicated to advancing the adoption of Extended Reality (XR) in European industries, with a focus on enhancing interoperability, standardization, and data privacy. By developing cutting-edge XR hardware and software solutions, the project aims to empower European companies and foster a sustainable, open ecosystem for XR innovation. With a strong emphasis on human-centric design, data privacy, and cross-industry collaboration, XR2Industry is positioning Europe at the forefront of XR technology development, supporting industrial sectors in adopting XR solutions to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of XR, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact on the industry. Don’t miss the chance to apply and help shape the next generation of XR technology!
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