The MetaHeritage project has officially launched with a dynamic Kick-Off Meeting at the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal. This ambitious initiative, funded by the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA), unites a strong consortium of 10 full and five associated partners to integrate metaverse technology with cultural heritage, fostering interregional innovation, sustainable tourism, and economic growth.
MetaHeritage is deeply committed to smart specialisation and interregional collaboration. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, cultural institutions, and regional actors, we aim to leverage digital technologies for economic growth while preserving and promoting Europe’s diverse cultural heritage.
A Milestone for Digital Cultural Heritage
Held on January 30, 2025, the inaugural meeting provided a valuable opportunity for consortium members to connect, exchange ideas, and explore Vila Real’s rich cultural heritage. After a welcome by the Vice-Rector, participants engaged with local stakeholders, including Fundação Casa de Mateus, Museu do Douro, and CCDR NORTE, I.P., to discuss how digital transformation can enhance regional cultural and tourism strategies.
Project Structure and Work Packages
To efficiently manage its scope, MetaHeritage is structured into seven key Work Packages (WPs):
WP1 – Project management, coordination and meetings
WP2 – Mapping & Benchmarking
WP3 – Platform and Networking
WP4 – Ecosystem Building and Transferring
WP5 – Development of business cases
WP6 – Development of interregional investment projects
WP7 – Dissemination, communication and sustainability
(TMO plays a key role in WP7, leading dissemination and communication efforts.)
Next Steps
The consortium outlined upcoming activities, including a series of key Consortium Meetings:
- Fall 2025: Azores
- Spring 2026: Emilia-Romagna
- Late Fall 2026: Brussels (Final Meeting)
Over the next weeks, WP2 will continue data collection for mapping and benchmarking, while WP4 focuses on enhancing the capabilities of public authorities and innovation intermediaries to support investment in deep tech solutions. WP3 is developing a networking and capacity-building platform to connect research institutions, industry experts, and investors. Meanwhile, WP7 has started communication and branding efforts, shaping MetaHeritage’s visual identity and outreach strategy.
Meet Our Consortium
MetaHeritage is driven by an international network of leading institutions, including:
- Universidade de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal)
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (Germany)
- Associazione Clust-ER Turismo (Italy)
- European Historic Houses (Belgium)
- Conferencia de rectores de las Universidades del suroeste europeo (Spain)
- Clust-ER Innovatzione nei servizi (Italy)
- European Cluster Alliance (Belgium)
- Universidade dos Acores (Portugal)
- Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)
- Time Machine Organisation (Austria)
Shaping the Future of Digital Heritage
As we embark on this exciting journey, MetaHeritage is committed to pioneering new ways to integrate digital technologies with cultural heritage. Stay tuned as we explore how the metaverse can revolutionize cultural tourism and heritage preservation.
Follow us for updates and insights!
