Join the launch of the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network‘s Regional Hubs Quarterly Showcase, a new national online series bringing together immersive technology communities from across the UK.

The Regional Hub Programme is being piloted to strengthen regional immersive technology ecosystems through local partnerships, community-led activity, and cross-sector collaboration. Built on a “network of networks” model, the programme connects regional hubs into a national community, creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.

This inaugural showcase will spotlight activity from emerging Regional Hubs, highlighting local innovation, community initiatives, success stories and opportunities for collaboration across the UK.

 

What to expect

This event forms part of the national support for the Regional Hubs, helping to amplify regional activity, encourage knowledge exchange and build stronger connections between immersive technology communities nationwide.

Attendees can expect:

  • updates from regional hubs across the UK
  • regional success stories and innovation highlights
  • cross-sector collaboration opportunities
  • insights into local immersive technology ecosystems
  • opportunities to connect with organisations, researchers, businesses and ecosystem leaders
  • discussion of future community activities and areas for collaboration

 

Who should attend?

This event is open to:

  • immersive technology companies and startups
  • universities and research organisations
  • creative industries organisations
  • innovators across manufacturing, healthcare, AEC or any industrial sector using immersive technologies or interested in exploring uses
  • local authorities and public sector organisations
  • investors, innovation support organisations and ecosystem builders
  • international immersive tech professionals interested in working with UK innovators
  • anyone interested in growing the UK’s immersive technology sector

 

Speakers

Amy Chao
Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect

Aoi Nakamura
Co-Artistic Director, AΦE & A+E Lab

Asha Easton
Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect

Deepa Mann-Kler
CEO, Neon & Director Belfast XR Festival

Esteban Lecoq
Co-Artistic Director, AΦE & A+E Lab

Dr Florian Weidner
Lecturer in HCI and XR, University of Glasgow

Michael Weir
CEO, RENDR Festival

About the event

This conference is your gateway to unlocking the power of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) in various sectors. Gain insights about the potential of extended reality (XR) applications and adoption, how immersive tech is impacted by artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and cybersecurity, and get hands on with demos, workshops and roundtable discussions.

Why attend?

Cutting-edge demos: Experience the latest AR/VR/MR technologies and their transformative capabilities.
Interactive workshops: Learn and understand how to develop AR/VR uses cases and requirements. What tools, insights, process, and support do you need?
Expert panels: Engage with industry leaders and visionaries in dynamic panel discussions, exploring the impact of immersive tech in fields such as manufacturing, 5G and AR, Digital Twin and AR, Women in Engineering / IT.
Inspiring talks: Gain valuable insights from thought-provoking talks by experts pushing the boundaries of immersive technology.
Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals, potential collaborators, and mentors in the immersive tech space. Join an evening meet up with the growing North East XR creative industry to share experiences and ideas.
Startup showcase: Witness ground-breaking startups pitch their immersive tech solutions.

Who is the event for?

Business leaders and decision makers seeking to gain a competitive edge
Industry professionals interested in immersive tech applications
Researchers shaping the future of technology
Innovators and entrepreneurs driving technological advancements.

Agenda

Please note that exact timings might be subject to change.

Day 1 – Wednesday 12 November

09:00 – 11:00       XR Demo Sessions
11:00 – 11:30        Welcome and Introductions
11:30 – 12:30       Join XR Journey
12:30 – 13:00       Keynote
13:00 – 14:00       Lunch and Demos
14:00 – 14:30       Unlocking the Future of XR Hardware
14:30 – 15:00       Making the Case: Winning Executive and User Buy-In for XR
15:00 – 15:30       Keynote
15:30 – 16:00       Break and Demos
16:00 – 17:30       Workshop – Understanding AR/VR Uses Cases and Requirements
17:30 – 19:30       Networking Meet-up

Day 2 – Thursday 13 November

09:00 – 9:30         XR Demo Sessions
09:30 – 9:35         Welcome Back
09:35 – 10:05       XR Cybersecurity Challenges
10:05 – 10:35       Keynote
10:35 – 11:00      Break and Demos
11:00 – 11:30      Amplifying XR: How AI is Transforming Immersive Tech
11:30 – 12:00      Hands-On Master Class: Creating an AR ROI
12:00 – 12:30      Overcoming AR Adoption Barriers: Designing for Safety and Usability
12:30 – 13:30      Lunch and demos
13:30 – 14:00      Powering Immersive Experiences: XR Meets 5G
14:00 – 15:00      Roundtable Discussions – Sustainability, Ethics
15:00 – 15:30     3-Minute Pitch from Immersive Technology Providers and Businesses
15:30 – 15:30     Closing remarks.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to delve into the future of technology and its transformative power across industries.

As there are limited tickets available and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, we encourage you to register your expression of interest at your earliest convenience.

The REVIVE project brings together researchers, communities, and technology experts to co-create cutting-edge digital solutions for the revitalisation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), focusing on endangered languages like Griko (Italy) and Cornish (UK).

Discover how digital storytelling, immersive technologies, and community collaboration are shaping the future of languages heritage. This free event will allow to you meet with the project team, learn about the project, try out some award-winning immersive experiences, and find out how you can get involved.

Doors are open to the public on Tuesday the 13th of May 2025, 9:30-17:30, at the Lord Ashcroft Building, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT

Themes We’ll Explore

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and Languages: Understanding the challenges and opportunities for languages, traditions, and practices.
Community Co-Creation: Placing community voices and ethical considerations at the heart of digital heritage projects.
Digital Technologies: Leveraging XR, digital archiving, storytelling platforms, and UX design for heritage revitalisation.
Impact & Sustainability: Building networks and creating lasting value for communities and heritage revitalisation.

The Immersive Tech Network’s Asha Easton will be speaking on “Networking and impact for Intangible Cultural Heritage and Immersive Tech” at 2:45pm, and speakers also include Dr Fabrizio Galeazzi, who is a judge for the Immersive Tech Network Awards and part of our Academic Working Group.

Mark your calendars for this prestigious event and join our diverse community of XR specialists and enthusiasts to witness the culmination of creativity as we unveil the work of our finalists and announce the winners for these highly sought after awards.

The Ida Network exists to promote the identities and ideas of women, non-binary and trans people, for a prosperous immersive tech sector.

Event Focus:
How do we shape the future of creative tech by redefining success?
What does authentic professional development look like in our field?
How can funders and investors better align with diverse visions of innovation?

Through guest talks and collaborative discussions, we’ll address challenges and opportunities in navigating innovation, audience experiences, and creative expression. Together, we’ll explore how to build a more inclusive and collaborative future for our industry.

Key Questions:

What is professional development for emerging creative tech practitioners?
How do we balance authenticity with career growth and investment opportunities?
What can funders and investors learn from practitioners to support diverse forms of success?

Why Attend?

Engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded professionals. Whether you’re new to immersive tech or an industry expert, your voice matters. We are passionate about creating inclusive and comfortable spaces for everyone who attends.

The Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network is thrilled to announce the third edition of its ground-breaking competition. This unique award aims to help connect students and emerging talent to the XR industry by showcasing their innovative project and experiences.

Register to join the 16 January 2025 10:00-11:15am Launch Info Session online.

This exciting competition provides a platform for students and new talent to submit their ground-breaking work for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the up-and-coming stars of UK immersive tech. The initiative is brought to you in collaboration with our leading industry partners, esteemed judges and Academic Working Group.

Benefits of the Awards

  • Prizes and acknowledgment: 5 Categories, Career Breakout Showcase, 10 Finalist Prizes, 5 Category Winner Prizes and 4 Grand Prize internships.
  • Finalists are invited to showcase at May Awards Reception in London to meet with industry experts, awards partners & judges and show off their projects. This showcase is one of the must attend events for the UK XR industry.
  • Connection to industry: The awards serve as a vital link between participants and the industry, fostering connections and support, and bringing fresh ideas and talent to the forefront, acting as an important introduction for the most innovative new projects in UK XR.
  • Mentoring: Tailored for award winners in support of their project and career development goals.
  • Pathway to real-world solutions: Supported by the founders and advisory board of Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network, the awards aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world problem-solving, opening doors to cross-sector applications.

What to Expect

  • Awards Insights: Learn about the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Awards 2025, the exciting categories (5 Categories for Undergrad to Postgrad and Career Breakout Showcase for non-degree talent), and the coveted prizes awaiting the winners including meeting the internship partners
  • Next steps: How to apply and timelines
  • Success Stories Highlights: Hear from prior award winners and gain valuable insights into their experiences
  • Live Q&A session: bring your questions about the awards.

We are thrilled to have you join us at the virtual Awards launch! This event is proudly presented in partnership with Arup, Soluis, StoryLab Anglia Ruskin University and Wales Millennium Centre.

The Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network and Neurotechnology teams are collaborating to host this online webinar, with the aim of showcasing a number of innovative technologies and applications in this area.

Delegates will hear from a wide range of technology developers that are designing and applying innovations within this emerging technological intersection. The event will focus on a series of presentations followed by a panel discussion with the sector.