A new ambitious European initiative, the Virtual Worlds Academy of Skills (ViWAS), has been unveiled under the Digital Europe Programme, aiming to position Europe at the forefront of Web 4.0 and immersive technologies. Coordinated by Professor Fotis Liarokapis, CYENS Centre of Excellence, the project brings together a large, multidisciplinary consortium spanning over 16 countries to tackle one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: the growing shortage of advanced digital skills in virtual worlds and extended reality (XR). Through innovative, simulation-based learning environments and immersive digital twins, ViWAS will enable users to gain hands-on experience in safe, scalable, and cost-effective settings.
ViWAS will establish a pan-European training ecosystem designed to equip learners, professionals, and institutions with cutting-edge competencies in XR, artificial intelligence, and virtual environments. The ViWAS project started on the 1st of May and the kick-off meeting took place in Paris, France between 26-27 May 2026. The Academy will function as an open, interoperable ecosystem, connecting universities, vocational training providers, industry, SMEs, and public institutions. Leveraging AI-driven personalization and advanced XR platforms, ViWAS will deliver tailored learning experiences, foster cross-sector collaboration, and support workforce upskilling and reskilling at scale.
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