XR2Learn Consortium Meets in Maastricht to Advance XR-Based Learning and Training
Last week, the XR2Learn consortium gathered in Maastricht, the Netherlands, for a two-day General Assembly hosted by Maastricht University. The meeting brought together all project partners to review progress, align on upcoming milestones, and discuss the next steps toward scaling XR-based learning and training across Europe.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day focused on progress updates and strategic discussions across several key areas:
MOOC – Content development and evaluation
Data – Evaluation of enablers and data collection
Platform – Strategic impact, sustainability, and value proposition of the XR2Learn Platform
WIKI – Content and structure development
Community – Growth, dissemination, and BeyondXR activities
The afternoon continued with updates from all work packages, including project management, ecosystem building, educational framework, and the progress of Open Call 2 projects. Discussions also focused on dissemination, exploitation, and creating long-term impact beyond the project’s duration.
Day 2 Highlights
The second day was dedicated to Open Call 2 winners, who presented their innovative XR learning solutions:
EcoDrive XR, NEONATAL, Portal-XR
RTXRoom, X-DE-MAN, XPOTLESS
XR2LabTrain, XRTwinScape
In addition to the presentations, the consortium explored NFT-enabled business models, sustainability pathways, and held one-to-one sessions to address data collection and evaluation-related challenges. The event concluded with a session on the next steps for OC2 pilot execution and closing remarks from the coordination team.
The XR2Learn General Assembly was a valuable opportunity for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and planning the next phase of the project as we continue to strengthen the XR learning ecosystem in Europe.
The project’s Open Call 2, that ran between , closed with a total of 147 applications from all over Europe. The following deep-dive into of the applicants provides valuable insights into the geographic origins, target markets, and valuation of the SMEs that applied. The target audiences were small consortia of up to three partners consisting of XR-developing industrial partners, training organizations and XR-application user/adopters.
Countries of origin
A large number of countries were covered, thanks to dissemination efforts in getting participants from eligible countries. So, this Open Call received proposals from 14 eligible countries. Greece (20,5%), Italy (14,5%), Germany (9,6%), Spain (8,4%), France (7,2%), Turkey (7,2%), were the 6 most represented countries.
SME’s ages
The objective of the Open Call #2 is to perform test, piloting, evaluate and validate the user acceptance of new or already developed XR-based applications in real life settings. In consequence, SME’s from various ages, with 69,2% of the companies being 10 years or less.
Raising capital
Regarding scaling-up, it turns out that only 16.8% of the SMEs applying to the open call were actively seeking investment at the time of application. This suggests that a significant portion of applicants may be seeking other forms of support, such as access to markets, mentorship, or technology partnerships, to scale their businesses.
Valuation
The valuation of the applicant SMEs revealed a diverse landscape. A significant portion (35.3%) were valued between 1 and 4 million, indicating a focus on early-stage growth. While 17.6% command a valuation between 20 and 25 million, suggesting more mature and potentially higher-growth companies. 11.8% of the applicants were valued at less than a million, highlighting the presence of early-stage ventures seeking initial traction. The remaining valuations were distributed across 5-9 million (11.8%), 10-14 million (11.8%), and 15-19 million (11.8%), showcasing a range of company stages and growth trajectories within the applicant pool.
Markets
We can see a range of target markets for the applicant SMEs. Software emerged as the most prominent one, with 31.6% of applicants targeting this sector. XR technologies followed closely with 16.4%, reflecting the core focus of the XR2Learn project. Education and healthcare count as significant markets, with 13.2% and 11.8% of applicants respectively. Artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D applications were also well-represented. Finally, a smaller part of the application focused on data-related solutions, and on blockchain, indicating the growing importance of data-driven approaches and emerging technologies within the XR2Learn ecosystem.
NB: With respect to the targeted sectors, a minimum of 70% will be dedicated to XR-application relevant to industry 5.0 technologies and relevant skills and a maximum of 30% will be allocated to sub-projects targeting other educational sectors (e.g. healthcare and medical, manufacturing, construction and engineering.
Gender balance
The applicant SMEs revealed a significant gender imbalance across leadership and employee levels, as it tends to be the case overall in the ecosystem. Overall, 80.7% of applicants were male-led, while 19.3% were female-led. This disparity was reflected at the leadership level, with 81.5% of CEO positions held by men. While a slightly higher percentage of women were observed in co-founder roles (20.7%), male co-founders still constituted a majority (79.3%). Finally, the employee level also exhibited a similar gender imbalance, with 81.3% of employees being male.
Learn More: Visit our website for detailed information: XR2Learn Website.
Join the Conversation: Connect with experts and peers on the XR2Learn Forum: Visit Forum.
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Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with over 22,000 students and more than 5,000 employees, is still growing. The university distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education. Today, it is considered one of the best young universities in the world.
Founded in 2007, Synelixis Solutions is a high-tech company that aims at developing effective and high-quality automation and system control solutions. They offer services and products in the areas of precision agriculture, the Internet of Things (IoT), security and energy efficiency of information systems, blockchain technology, cloud computing and more. Synelixis has long experience in a variety of international research programs, leading a significant number of them. Result of this involvement is their constant engagement with cutting-edge technologies and the development of new ones. In this context, Synelixis’ engineers are continuously trained in the use and development of the latest technologies.
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is one of the nine professional universities recognised by the Swiss Confederation. Founded under Swiss federal law, SUPSI offers more than 30 Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree courses, characterised by cutting edge education which unites classical theoretical-scientific instruction with a professional orientation. Great care is given to research, carried out in key sectors on competitively acquired projects with large European and national agencies or mandated by organisations and institutions.
Founded in 1905, MAGGIOLI S.p.A is one of the biggest ICT integrators in Italy offering a broad range of specific, highly professional solutions in business areas of Information Technology, Electronic Document Management, Cybersecurity, and Citizen services. MAG operates its own Maggioli Academy, a dedicated space for training and networking complemented by the Maggioli e-learning academy, operating its own LMS. MAG is currently involved in many projects funded by the EC through programs, such as Horizon Europe, in domains of eGovernment, eHealth, Industry4.0, Cybersecurity, 5G, Augmented reality, Environmental protection, and more.
LS GROUP aims at enhancing companies’ products and services while optimizing their industrial processes thanks to their expertise in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The development of applications facilitating the appropriation and use of 3D Technologies is the specialty of LS Group. Their team apply knowledge, experience and know-how to propose the solution adapted to client’s needs and guarantee the project’s success.
Hellenic Open University (HOU) is a Public University founded by the Greek Government in 1992. Their prime mission is to offer open access to higher level education using solely distance learning methodologies while developing and utilising appropriate learning material and teaching methods. HOU also aims to promote scientific and applied research as well as the development of educational content, technologies, and methodologies in the fields of distance and lifelong learning, open education and Open Educational Resources (OER).
F6S is a leading global founder and startup network that helps public sector entities around the world to promote, communicate and disseminate technical and research projects. F6S stands for F-ounder-S. Our mission is to help founders and startups grow to solve the world’s pressing social, economic, environmental, sustainability and innovation problems. In addition to F6S’ work with governmental entities, we also work with corporates, investors, research institutions, programs, universities and others in the global startup ecosystem. F6S tools deliver company growth through grants, partnerships, funding, investment, pilot contracts, partnerships, jobs & talent recruitment and company services.
EIT Manufacturing is an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – that connects the leading manufacturing actors in Europe. Powered by a strong interdisciplinary and trusted community, it adds unique value to European products, processes, services – and inspires the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing.
Founded in 1986, the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU) is the association of leading higher educational institutions providing flexible degree and continuing education, delivered through various forms of digital teaching and learning. Their profile is in line with the EU’s digitization, re-skilling, and up-skilling priorities. EADTU is at the heart of the development of the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the Bologna Process, representing over 200 European universities and 3 million students.
CNIT (National, Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications) is a non-profit consortium established in 1995, bringing together 37 public Italian universities to perform research, innovation and education/training activities in the field of Information and Communication Technology. CNIT operates 45 Research Units and has participated in hundreds of research projects, including EU coordinated projects, ERC grants and Italian nation-wide initiatives. They also have significant experience in the organization of scientific events and conferences. The innovation and technology transfer of research results towards end-users and industry is a primary mission for CNIT. They also promote the collaboration between member universities and other educational institutes as well as technical and scientific collaborations with national and international research institutes and industries.
