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XRBelfast

  • XRBelfast

    We’re supporting those working in Belfast’s innovation and creative industries sectors to build their capacity in using emerging technologies (with a focus on immersive), so they can access funding and finance opportunities for product development and prototyping.

  • Creative Capacity

    We’re working with Digital Catapult NI to offer two free Creative Capacity sessions, aimed at a broad range of Belfast based SMEs, from those working on sports science, tourism and cultural projects, to manufacturing and engineering.

    You’ll hear inspiring stories and case studies from a mix of Global XR brand leaders and NI based creative industry start-ups. They’ll give a unique insight into the exciting world of Immersive Technology, an understanding of the tools and skills required to create compelling, successful Immersive Technology projects across a range of sectors - and how you can apply them to your business.

    We’ll cover next-generation interfaces, XR workflows and give the inside track on how immersive tech giants and local businesses are already working with major companies, SMEs and creatives to put this technology into real use cases.

    You’ll also have the chance to try some amazing immersive experiences for yourself.

     

    Workshop One - Immersive Technology Journeys

    28 September 2023, 2pm to 6pm, Ormeau Baths

    More information

    Workshop Two - The Tools and Business of Immersive Technology

    9 November 2023, 2pm to 6pm, Ormeau Baths

    More information

  • Creative Mentorship programme

    You might be working in graphic design, illustration, advertising, animation or gaming, or with 2D or 3D design via CAD software, but haven't yet realised how implementing AR, VR or MR workflows could enhance your business. 

    Following the Creative Capacity sessions, Digital Catapult will provide the opportunity for a limited number of businesses who have attended to pursue one-to-one mentoring.  It’s an opportunity to delve deeper into Immersive Technology and how it can make a difference to your projects or working practices through efficiencies, cost savings and marketing impact, and more.

    We’ll share further details at the Creative Capacity sessions.

  • Augment the City Challenge Fund

    We’ll soon be launching a £500,000 funding competition to support local SMEs to innovate in immersive technologies and develop new visitor experiences.

    The Challenge Fund will enable local innovators to develop ideas, proof of concepts and prototypes using immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality to support organisations that are designing major new visitor attractions for the city and elsewhere.

    Small businesses will benefit from:

    • access to a visitor testbed and showcase environment with wireless digital connectivity in the Belfast Smart District,
    • trialling and demonstrations of their ideas and products,
    • user testing and feedback from visitors to help improve and enhance their solution, and
    • a better understanding of the future needs of those creating new visitor attractions in the city and elsewhere.

    This scheme is part of our Smart Belfast programme and funded through the Belfast Region City Deal

  • Maximising the Maritime Mile

    We’re working with the Maritime Belfast Trust, local communities, businesses and innovators to explore how digital innovation can help sustain, enhance and preserve the unique heritage along the city’s waterfront area in Titanic Quarter and City Quays. Belfast’s Maritime Mile connects key attractions, public realm, sculptures and viewing points on both sides of the River Lagan – and our Belfast HUB-IN (Hub of Innovation) project is looking at innovative ways to further enrich and animate this space as part of our Smart Belfast programme.

    We’ve engaged with over 1,500 citizens, businesses and city partners to identify key themes and priorities. And now we’re  planning a £100,000 Challenge Fund to support businesses to work with communities to develop and trial innovative digital products and experiences to help further transform the Maritime Mile into a dynamic destination.

    This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.869429.

    To read more information, go to www.smartbelfast.city (link opens in new window)

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