MP outlines commitment to immersive technology at University conference

Margot James MP delivered a keynote speech at the AR & VR Conference

Margot James MP joined leading global innovators from the world of immersive technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, as she outlined the Government’s commitment to the immersive technology sector.

The Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries praised Manchester’s history of being at the forefront of innovation and welcomed the opportunity to explore the future direction of investment and focus in augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR).

Global collaborations

More than 300 delegates attended the 4th International AR & VR Conference at Manchester Metropolitan’s Business School on June 21 - 22.

Hosted by the University’s Creative AR & VR Hub, the conference gave UK companies the opportunity to meet with global technology venture capitalists and network at local and international level.

The two-day event welcomed investors and South Korean technology companies, backed by the Korean government organisation Gyeonggi Content Agency, looking to collaborate with immersive technology companies in the UK.

Speaking at the conference, Margot James MP said: “The immersive technology sector in the UK is still in its infancy so it is fantastic to see the growing importance of AR and VR in a range of industries on show at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I was delighted to receive an invite to speak at the AR & VR Conference and I look forward to seeing the developments and opportunities discussed at the event come to fruition.”

The Minister was one of a range of high-profile speakers at the event, which also included Mary Robinson MP, Stella Park of Future Planet Capital, Nahm-Kook Sun, Minister from the Korean Embassy, and Seung-Jong Kim, the Chairman of Gyeonggi Content Agency.

A business matchmaking session also gave an opportunity for start-ups to pitch their business ideas to venture capitalists and some of the most influential figures in the immersive technology sector.

Developing technology

As part of a global investment programme supported by Gyeonggi Content Agency, 10 South Korean immersive technology companies were represented at the conference.

Dr Timothy Jung, Director of the Creative AR & VR Hub at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “The conference provided an opportunity to introduce UK businesses to global immersive technology organisations and investors to explore ways they can work together.

“By bringing together South Korean agencies with innovative UK businesses and high-profile speakers and decision makers, Manchester Metropolitan is enabling future collaborations to impact a range of industries through the development of AR and VR technologies.”