Open Calls

HERIFORGE Launches First Open Call For Immersive Technologies In Cultural Heritage

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 19, 2025

HERIFORGE has launched its first Open Call to fund innovative projects that merge immersive technologies with cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader mission to transform how cultural heritage is experienced, preserved, and reused across Europe. With a total budget of €300,000, the initiative will fund up to six projects, each eligible for a grant of up to €50,000, alongside a six-month mentoring and support programme.

Overview

The call invites SMEs, startups, NGOs, foundations, associations, and individuals (particularly those based in Cyprus, Poland, and Türkiye) to propose bold ideas that harness immersive tools such as AR/VR, XR, gamification, and digital twins. Applicants from other EU Member States or Horizon Europe–associated countries are also eligible, provided they can demonstrate a local presence in one of the three partner countries.

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Up to six projects will be selected, each receiving:

Funding of up to €50,000
Six months of tailored mentoring and technical support from experts in immersive tech, cultural heritage, and business development

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the HERIFORGE Open Call page
Deadline: 27 October 2025, 17:00 CET
All proposals should clearly demonstrate how immersive technologies can create sustainable impact in cultural heritage preservation, engagement, or reuse.
Each applicant may submit up to two proposals, provided they address different areas of the call. Only the highest-scoring proposal per applicant will be funded.
Proposals must be submitted in English.

Programme Objectives

Cultural heritage is increasingly being recognized as a resource for identity, cohesion, and sustainable development, rather than simply an archive of the past. Yet many digital collections remain fragmented, project results are rarely reused beyond their initial scope, and collaboration between cultural organisations and technology players is often weak.

HERIFORGE aims to overcome these barriers by supporting place-based innovation ecosystems in Cyprus, Poland, and Türkiye. The programme’s objectives are to link cultural institutions with immersive technology solutions, support creative experimentation, and build models of digital heritage innovation that can be scaled across Europe.

About HERIFORGE

HERIFORGE is a European initiative bringing together leading organizations from the cultural heritage and digital technology sectors. Its goal is to support cross-border collaboration, leverage creative experimentation, and demonstrate new models for the digital transformation of cultural heritage.

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Drakos DMC Launches Exclusive Scholarship To Cultivate Future Tourism Leadership

Overview Of The Scholarship Initiative

Drakos DMC, a prominent destination management company operating across Cyprus and Greece, has announced a strategic scholarship opportunity aimed at nurturing emerging talent in the tourism industry. This initiative offers a full scholarship for a Master of Science in Tourism Management at the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), valued at €5,125.

Scholarship Details And Eligibility

The award targets final-year students and recent graduates up to 24 years of age who hold degrees in tourism, business administration, marketing, or related areas. Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellent academic performance and must be permanent residents of Limassol. For undergraduate tourism students, the scholarship may also apply to postgraduate studies in complementary fields.

Commitment And Career Advancement

A unique feature of this scholarship is its linkage to immediate professional integration. The successful candidate is required to commence full-time employment with Drakos DMC while pursuing the postgraduate degree and to continue with the company for an additional 30 months upon completion. Applications can be submitted by contacting Drakos DMC through their careers email, accompanied by a current curriculum vitae.

Application Process And Timelines

Prospective candidates must apply for the master’s program between February and April 2026. The full terms and conditions of the scholarship will be outlined in close coordination with the Cyprus University of Technology.

About Drakos DMC

Renowned for its premium travel experiences, Drakos DMC specializes in incentive travel, conference management, corporate events, and the design of integrated programs for international organizations. Their comprehensive approach, which spans strategic planning through to on-the-ground execution, underlines their status as a leader in the tourism management sector.