UNICHE: the Unified No-Code Platform for Interactive Cultural Heritage Experiences

The UNICHE project officially began in autumn 2025 with a kick-off meeting held in Luxembourg on 14–15 October. Partners attended the meeting both onsite and online. This meeting formally launched the implementation phase of the project and established the groundwork for collaboration among the technical, scientific and user-oriented teams.

Funded under the Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-ECCC-H-01-04), UNICHE is developing an AI-enabled collaborative authoring environment that will empower cultural heritage professionals to create interactive and impactful storytelling experiences without the need for coding skills.

The project will develop a unified, no-code platform integrating tools for authoring, experience design, exhibition creation and visitor evaluation. Through this environment, users will be able to generate high-quality interactive content in multiple formats, ensuring accessibility and interoperability across different cultural contexts.

Three internal pilots covering open-air archaeological sites, museum exhibitions and portable exhibitions will demonstrate the platform’s capabilities, while ten external pilots will expand its use through an open call for participation. UNICHE will also deliver tools such as the AI Curator Assistant, the Visitor Experience Evaluation Tool and the XR Exhibition Prototyper, as well as the UNICHE Academy, which will provide training resources for professionals and institutions.

Coordinated by the Uni Systems, the project brings together a consortium of European partners who are experts in artificial intelligence, extended reality, digital storytelling and cultural heritage management. The technological foundation of the initiative builds on existing solutions such as Narrative Story Maker, MuseotekBox and AI-based recommender systems, which will be integrated and expanded within the UNICHE platform.

As part of the Cultural Heritage Cloud initiative coordinated by the ECHOES project, UNICHE supports the European Commission’s vision of creating a collaborative, data-driven digital infrastructure that connects cultural heritage institutions across Europe.

By combining innovation, accessibility, and collaboration, UNICHE aims to transform the design, sharing, and experience of cultural stories, shaping the future of digital heritage engagement.

For more information, visit the Cultural Heritage Cloud website: echoes-eccch.eu or get in touch with us at info@uniche-eccch.eu.