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Horizon Europe Cluster 4 — Twin (Green+Digital) Transition for Industry

Virtual Worlds: Immersive Hardware and Haptics

Funds €4.8–5.6M research projects building smaller, smarter and more realistic hardware for inclusive virtual-world experiences.

ScheduledEuropean CommissionEU

Virtual worlds need more than a better screen. This topic funds research into the hardware that can make digital experiences feel more natural and immersive, from advanced headsets and displays to haptic components, sensors, actuators, wearables and chips.

Projects should explore new scientific approaches for synchronising multiple sensory modalities, integrating the components into fully tested

Researching and integrating next-generation XR hardware, wearables, haptics, sensors, actuators, chips and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces that bring virtual-world experiences closer to reality. Projects should synchronise multiple sensory modalities, demonstrate complete devices in industrial or societal scenarios, and deliver reliable, robust, miniaturised and interoperable systems with inclusive design and energy efficiency.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.18 Mar 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€39M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01Source: ec.europa.eu