In December 2024, information about the platform was shared via social media and the NEOLAiA community, highlighting its main features: creating forums, participating in discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating across universities.
On March 11, 2025, an online training session was organized exclusively for staff and Work Package members, led by Vittorio Scarano and the Salerno team. The session provided practical guidance on navigating and making the most of the Virtual Café, including hands-on examples, group management tips, and tools to facilitate collaboration.
On March 24, 2025, the Virtual Café was opened to Sumy University, an associated partner of NEOLAiA, integrating Google Workspace as an additional authentication mechanism alongside eduGAIN. Later, on April 14, 2025, access was extended to the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, also an associated partner.
Thanks to these steps, the Virtual Café has become a consolidated tool for promoting interaction, knowledge sharing, and innovation within the NEOLAiA network, connecting universities, researchers, and academic staff in a secure and collaborative digital environment.
