Immersive experiences (IX) are experiences where digital and physical elements combine into rich, sensory experiences. The National Growth Fund call CIIIC Core funds research projects of 1.5 to 2 years in which research organizations collaborate with SMEs and/or public organizations to study the responsible and effective application and deployment of these immersive experiences. A total of 5 million euros is available for this.

CIIIC Core funds demand-driven, practice-oriented research focused on applying and deploying immersive experiences (IX) in SMEs and/or the public sector.  These experiences offer opportunities across various sectors from the creative and cultural industries and knowledge institutions to domains such as safety and health. Examples of IX applications include treatment of PTSD, where patients are placed in a controlled virtual environment. Another example is IX applications in museums where visitors are immersed in digital versions of classical paintings using light, sound, and movement. 

CIIIC Core supports projects researching:

  • Testing and validating methods and instruments for IX applications
  • Research into conditions and perspectives for strategic deployment of IX

Central is that parties conduct their research together with SMEs and public organizations. Therefore, a funding condition is that at least 2 SMEs or at least 1 SME and 1 public organization are involved in the research.

Read the full call for proposals (external link)

Budget and Deadlines

The total budget for this call is 5 million euros. A maximum of 300,000 euros is available per project. Additionally, it is required that partners in the research contribute at least 50% of the total research budget. The deadline for submitting proposals is April 21, 2026, at 14:00.

About the National Growth Fund Program CIIIC

The goal of the NGF program CIIIC is to increase the capacity to realize immersive experiences and enable the industry and creators to seize opportunities and safeguard public interests. CIIIC stimulates and supports collaboration between IX creators, users, and researchers and strengthens the innovation ecosystem. 

CIIIC was developed by the CIIIC project organization. NWO, with Regieorgaan SIA as the lead organizational unit, is one of the executing organizations of the program along with TNO, the Creative Industries Fund, CLICKNL, and the RVO. The CIIIC program consists of multiple calls including CIIIC Start and CIIIC Core.

Programs for the National Growth Fund

NWO carries out thematic programs for research, knowledge development, and innovation funded by the National Growth Fund. The results are applicable in innovations and organizations and thus contribute to the sustainable earning capacity and broad prosperity of the Netherlands. In the programs, parties from the entire knowledge chain collaborate, both public and private.