HERIFORGE - OC#2
Funding innovative XR technical solutions for cultural heritage that address specific challenges set by HERIFORGE hubs in Cyprus, Poland and Türkiye.
TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Innovative technical projects developing solutions that use immersive and XR technologies for cultural heritage and address one of the specific challenges defined by the HERIFORGE Hubs in Cyprus, Poland and Türkiye. Eligible solutions may include software applications, artistic or museum installations, XR experiences, data interoperability systems, information-management solutions, automation and integration tools. Only technical solutions are eligible. Projects should generally start at TRL 4–5 and aim to reach TRL 6–7 during the Support Programme; applications at a lower TRL may be accepted where a roadmap to reach the required level is provided.
SECTORS / DOMAIN: Cultural heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries, with a specific focus on the responsible use of XR and immersive technologies. The challenges cover inclusive and accessible cultural heritage experiences, interactive storytelling, cultural heritage asset management and interoperability, intangible cultural heritage, and community-engaged XR experiences.
INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: Applications are submitted by individual legal entities or eligible natural persons. Eligible applicants include SMEs, NGOs, foundations, associations and natural persons. Specific challenges require or establish close collaboration with cultural heritage institutions, cultural heritage experts, technology providers, communities or the relevant HERIFORGE Hub, depending on the challenge.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be legally registered on the application submission date in Cyprus, Poland or Türkiye and specialise in XR for cultural heritage. Applicants from other EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated countries may also apply if they demonstrate a local footprint in Cyprus, Poland or Türkiye, such as local staff and/or a business or professional track record in the local context. One applicant may submit up to two proposals, provided that each addresses a different challenge; only the highest-scoring proposal may be considered for funding.
SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Applicants must address one of four challenges: (1) Cyprus Hub – “Decolonising Cypriot Histories - Creating XR experiences for Shared Approaches to Heritage and Social Resilience”; (2) Poland Hub – “Unlocking Interactive Stories: Inclusive XR Experiences for Cultural Heritage”; (3) Türkiye Hub Challenge 1 – “Standardized Asset Organization Pipeline for Ankara Orchard House”; or (4) Türkiye Hub Challenge 2 – “Living Layers: Storytelling in XR for Ankara Orchard House with Community Engagement”. Each challenge includes its own technical specifications, mandatory requirements, deliverables and expected results.
PROJECTS DURATION: The HERIFORGE Support Programme lasts for a maximum of 6 months and is divided into three main stages.
BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: 100%, lump sum.
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to 6 projects will be supported, with a maximum grant of €50,000 each.
Payments: The grant is provided as a lump sum and paid in instalments subject to the successful and timely completion of each stage of the Support Programme: up to 20% after Stage 1 (Individual Mentoring Plan), up to 50% after Stage 2 (Prototype), and up to 30% after Stage 3 (Demonstration and Integration).
Links
Closes
27/10/2026
Max funding per project
50.000€