CIIIC Start

CIIIC Start offers funding of up to €50,000 for one-year exploratory research into the workings and impact of immersive experiences. The application period for the January 2026 submission round has now closed.

What is CIIIC Start?

CIIIC Start supports short-term, exploratory research that answers fundamental questions about the effectiveness and responsible use of immersive experiences (IX). The funding scheme does not fund the development of new technology. Instead, it focuses on:

• Insight into what works: Which elements of immersive experiences contribute to effective outcomes in different contexts?
• User experience and impact: How do people experience immersive experiences, what is the demonstrable added value, and how can we measure this reliably?
• Public values and ethics: How do we ensure the responsible use of immersive experiences and prevent unethical applications?
• Applicable knowledge for the sector: How can existing methods, working practices and insights be made more widely applicable across the sector?

The knowledge generated by these projects helps accelerate innovation in the IX sector and provides valuable input for future funding schemes and projects within the CIIIC programme.

Who is CIIIC Start for?

The funding scheme is intended for consortia in which researchers from universities of applied sciences, universities or other research organisations collaborate with at least two additional partners: businesses (such as IX makers/developers) and/or public or societal organisations (such as healthcare institutions, municipalities or cultural institutions).

What does the funding scheme cover?

Researchers affiliated with research institutions can use CIIIC Start funding to carry out a year of exploratory research into responsible and effective immersive experiences. Projects are carried out in collaboration with at least two businesses and/or public organisations.

The maximum grant per project is €50,000. Co-applicants are required to contribute at least 25% of the total project budget.

• Maximum grant per project: €50,000
• Project duration: maximum of one year
• Co-funding: co-applicants contribute at least 25% of the total project costs

Applications must be submitted by a university of applied sciences, university or other research institution. Applicants are advised to prepare their proposal carefully and to allow for a processing time of approximately two to four months.

Applications are assessed by an independent review committee made up of experts from both academia and practice. Proposals are assessed on a first come, first served basis. Grants are only awarded to applications that score sufficiently on all criteria.

Want to know more?

Visit the SIA information page for more details and how to take part. To stay up to date on this call, sign up for our newsletter and our Community Platform. You can also get in touch with CIIIC or contact SIA programme manager Ruth Timmermans directly.