There is world-class expertise, research and innovation taking place across the UK in industry verticals such as transport, health, films and games – from cutting-edge engineering design to interactive theatre.

 

Backed by Innovate UK and co-ordinated by the Knowledge Transfer Network, ImmerseUK will offer the support that UK business needs to leverage these capabilities – by making cross-sector connections, sharing best practice, facilitating collaboration and tapping into new areas for growth, in order to take advantage of the wider emerging market.

 

Knowledge Transfer Network Chief Executive Chris Warkup noted that: “KTN works with every industry in the UK, so we have a unique view of cross-sector activity. We are delighted to be facilitating collaborative initiatives in one of this country’s fastest-growing innovation technologies.”

ImmerseUK’s membership is made up of some of the biggest names in UK industry and the creative arena, including Rolls-Royce, Holovis, Industrial Light and Magic, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

 

Stuart Hetherington, CEO of Holovis, said:

 

“VR and AR technologies are merging together into an exciting new format of Mixed Reality (MR). As the user experience continues to improve, clients across a diverse range of markets are seeing real advantage in the benefits this new technology can deliver. As a global leader in VR, AR and MR across the enterprise and experiential/attractions market sectors, Holovis is delighted to be supporting ImmerseUK in engaging with clients and partners who want to fully exploit the exciting potential of these new technologies.”

 

Sarah Ellis, Head of Digital Development for the Royal Shakespeare Company, commented:

 

“Theatre has always had a relationship with technology − and virtual and augmented reality present a new set of opportunities. Through our most recent collaboration with Intel and in association with The Imaginarium Studios, we have shown that putting technology in the hands of artists means that unexpected and unimaginable things happen. In this context, cross-industry collaboration has proven to be a crucial component in building connections between sectors to enable us to push the boundaries of these new technologies.”

 

Collette Johnson, Director, Medical and Healthcare, Plextek, said:

 

“Linking the creative industries and technology organisations is key to the success of this sector in the UK. This will prove of great benefit in the healthcare market, where there is a real need for immersive technology such as VR for treatment in mental health. ImmerseUK will help translate that need to a fully implemented system, which is game changing for the industry.”

 

All those interested in the way that augmented and virtual reality can help drive productivity and economic growth in the UK are encouraged to sign up for newsletters and details of forthcoming events at www.immerseuk.org.