UPRAISE is a European project co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme that aims to develop advanced digital skills to address the technological challenges associated with Virtual Worlds. The project brings together a broad international partnership of universities, research centres and businesses to create innovative training courses aimed at both university students and professionals seeking continuous professional development. UPRAISE focuses on key technologies such as extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, blockchain and the Internet of Things, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness in the digital transition.
Coordinated by the University of Bologna, UPRAISE brings together a consortium of 26 partners, including 9 universities, 8 industry operators and 9 hubs, research organisations and vocational training institutions, together with 9 associated partners from 11 European countries.
The complementary skills and experience of the partners foster strong transnational collaboration and enable an interdisciplinary and impact-oriented approach to the development of advanced digital skills, educational design and technological innovation.
Develop innovative educational programmes (bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, short courses and micro-credentials) to train professionals who are experts in virtual world technologies.
Bridge the gap in emerging digital skills in the technology and industrial sectors by aligning educational offerings with the real needs of the European labour market.
Promote inclusion and accessibility to training, offering learning opportunities also to lifelong learners (professionals in continuous training).
Foster cooperation between academia and industry, creating a stable network of stakeholders working together for innovation and skills development.
Contribute to European digital transformation policies, integrating results and practices into the broader context of the Digital Europe Programme and EU strategies for digital skills.
October 2025: project kick-off
2026-2027: design of curricula, training modules and innovative teaching tools
2028: delivery of pilot courses, testing of digital platforms and collection of feedback
2029: analysis of training impacts and dissemination of results at European level
Kilometro Rosso coordinates the definition and implementation of the project’s communication and dissemination strategy, overseeing the development and management of the main tools and channels, including the website, social media, and promotional materials.
It also plays an active role in engaging and consolidating a network of industrial stakeholders, promoting dialogue and collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that training programmes are aligned with the real needs of the market.
The UPRAISE project is an initiative co-funded by the European Union through the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) under grant agreement 101225920. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
