By utilising augmented and virtual reality, for both divers and non-divers, iMARECULTURE has created an innovative and new format that has changed the way in which we not only view our European, maritime cultural heritage but also how we experience it.  

As a diver it is now possible to experience Europe’s underwater cultural heritage through augmented reality and view underwater visualisations in real-time while diving. It is possible to explore the Baiae Marine Protected Area-Underwater Park from the Roman Imperial Age as part of an official diving visit just off the coast of Naples utilising underwater tablets to interact with the augmented reality while diving.  

For non-divers, iMARECULTURE has developed several alternative ways for users to immerse themselves with the underwater environment. From using virtual reality to head mounted displays and holographic screens – Europe’s maritime cultural heritage is accessible to all.  

iMARECULTURE’s mission is to raise public awareness of European identity and to be focusing on maritime cultural heritage. Beyond that, iMARECULTURE is creating a unique and innovative contribution to the Horizon Europe framework and the digital agenda for Europe, for new skills, technology, and jobs.  

What sets iMARECULTURE apart is not only its unique visitor and user experience but its adaptability to a wide array of utilisations, research and education capabilities and sustainable economic implementation. By combining Education, Research and Industry, iMARECULTURE is pushing the boundaries of technological breakthroughs into viable products in the area of virtual museums, digital heritage, sustainable and smart tourism with real commercial potential.  

Under Horizon 2020, the European Union awarded €2.6 million to the iMARECULTURE project, which was coordinated by Cyprus, with further participants being Czech Republic, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, Portugal and Hungary. The project finished in 2020. Horizon Europe, the EU’s new 7-year framework programme (2021-2027) for research and innovation, represents the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever and is also open to researchers and small and medium sized enterprises based in the Western Balkans.