Develop Entrepreneurial Skills
Build an entrepreneurial mindset. Master business modeling and acquire the high-demand skills needed to launch your market-ready prototypes.
Game the future of Health & Education 🎮
Turn big ideas into real-world applied games.
HERO-IG is a Winter School blending XR, AI, and startup culture to help you design, prototype, and launch serious games: interactive video games designed for real-world impact in healthcare, education and social change.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!!
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📚 Discover the full program
Explore the complete program, learning activities and all the details about the Winter School
Why participate?
Earn ECTS Credits
Backed by top European universities (UNIBO, Paris 8) and EIT standards. Connect with industry leaders and earn recognized academic credits (ECTS) to validate your high-level interdisciplinary skills.
Generate impact
Build serious games that heal, educate, and empower. Create inclusive, validated digital interventions for neurodiverse learners, clinical patients and modern classrooms.
Expand your network
Connect with leading universities, startups and industry experts across Europe.
Who can apply for the winter school?
Whether you code, design, research, or study human behavior, this is for you. We are bringing together:
- PhD & Master’s Students ready to take their research out of the lab.
- Gaming & Digital Health Pros looking to build high-impact tech.
- STEAM Thinkers: Coders, artists, psychologists, educators, engineers, and storytellers
Prerequisite: English proficiency (Level B2).
The Journey
Application window
From September 1st to October 15th, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your resume or portfolio and lock in your spot for the HERO-IG Winter School.
Flexible online learning
From November 16th participants will get access to 36 bite-sized online lessons. Learn the fundamentals of game tech, design, and business so you’re 100% ready before the hands-on lab begins!
Build & Prototype
From November 23th to December 4th participants will take part in 2 high-energy weeks in the lab. Team up with psychologists, developers, and designers to build a working serious game prototype from scratch using Unity3D, XR, and AI.
Showcase your Game
During the online Demo-Day on the 4th of December, all the teams will pitch their prototype live to real investors, industry leaders, and top mentors to bring your project to the market.
Participation fee
Designed to turn academic research into market-ready Serious Games, HERO-IG offers an immersive learning experience backed by top European universities and innovation hubs. From hands-on prototyping in state-of-the-art labs to earning recognized ECTS credits, every aspect of the program is built to accelerate your career.
- FREE for UNIBO & Paris 8 Students
- All the Professionals & External Applicants will pay the standard Rate: €800
- Accommodation and meals during the in-person week in Bologna will be covered by the University of Bologna for all HERO-IG participants.
The Management is currently engaged in fundraising activities aimed at securing additional resources to support participants: work is underway to offer stay benefits (support for meals and/or accommodation) or further forms of cost reduction, in addition to the reduced fees already provided for in the call for applications.
FAQ
Who can I contact for further questions?
For administrative information: arin.studentialtaformazione@unibo.it
For scientific and teaching information:
University of Bologna: Dir. Mariagrazia Benassi mariagrazia.benassi@unibo.it
Paris8 university: Prof. Salvatore Anzalone sanzalone@univ-paris8.fr
When will I know if I have been accepted into HERO-IG?
By the end of October 27 the ranking list will be published on the University of Bologna portal
Is it necessary to know English to participate?
Yes. HERO-IG is open to students from all around the world so all the modules will be held in English.
Do I need to travel to Paris and Bologna?
Yes! Get ready for an exciting two-city European experience. ✈️
Here is how travel works across the program:
- Phase 1 (From Nov 16): 100% Remote. Complete the 36 online modules at your own pace from wherever you are.
- Phase 2 (Nov 23 to Dec 4): In-Person. The intensive 2-week lab takes place live across two major European hubs:
- 🇮🇹 Bologna
- 🇫🇷 Paris
It’s the ultimate opportunity to build your prototype face-to-face, access top university labs, and expand your international network!
Will we work in teams?
Yes, you won't be working alone.
During Phase 2, you’ll form dynamic, multidisciplinary teams bringing together complementary skills.
Together, you'll combine your expertise to design, build, and pitch a complete serious game prototype!
Where can I find the official rules & regulations?
You can download and read the full Call for Applications (Official Regulations) directly from the HERO-IG page