- A new £575,000 fund called the Augment the City Challenge Fund, supported by Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office and the Belfast Region City Deal, will launch in April 2024 to promote innovation in immersive technologies for visitor experiences.
- The competition aims to bring together innovators from creative industries and tourism organizations to explore the role of immersive technologies like augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in shaping future attractions, including Belfast Stories.
- Successful applicants will have the chance to develop and showcase innovative ideas and prototypes, with state-of-the-art wireless digital connectivity provided to push the boundaries of technology.
- The fund, supported by the UK Government, offers local SMEs the opportunity to enhance Belfast’s digital tourism, contributing to economic productivity and job creation.
- The Augment the City Challenge Fund is part of Belfast City Council’s XR Belfast program, offering funding, skills development, and business support to individuals in the innovation and creative industries sectors to leverage emerging technologies.
New £575,000 Fund for Innovation in Immersive Technologies
In the realm of digital innovation, the landscape is constantly evolving, with groundbreaking technologies shaping the way we experience the world around us. One such development is the Augment the City Challenge Fund, a new initiative spearheaded by Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office and backed by the Belfast Region City Deal. This £575,000 fund is slated to launch in April 2024, with the primary goal of supporting local SMEs in delving into the potential of immersive technologies in enhancing visitor experiences.
Exploring the Future of Immersive Technologies
The Augment the City Challenge Fund aims to bridge the gap between innovation and tangible applications in the realm of immersive technologies. Councillor Tina Black, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, highlighted the significance of this competition in fostering collaboration between the creative industries and tourism sectors. The utilization of immersive technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality presents a unique opportunity to redefine the landscape of visitor attractions, including the much-anticipated Belfast Stories. Successful applicants will not only have the chance to develop their innovative ideas but also to showcase their prototypes to a wider audience.
Empowering Innovation and Collaboration
Professor Liam Maguire, Chair of the Belfast Region City Deal’s Digital Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of initiatives like Augment the City in stimulating research and development investment within high-growth sectors. By fostering collaboration with creative digital companies, the fund aims to push the boundaries of what is achievable with immersive technologies. This collaboration not only boosts the region’s economy but also ensures that new visitor experiences are tailored to leverage digital innovations, creating more engaging interactions for visitors.
Related Video
Government Support for Innovation
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy, underscored the significance of investing in innovation to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities. The launch of the Augment the City Challenge Fund aligns with the government’s vision to enhance productivity through technological advancements. The support provided by the fund will enable businesses in Belfast and the surrounding region to develop immersive 5G tourism products, thereby enriching the overall tourism offering. The backing of the UK Government, to the tune of £350 million, underscores the commitment to fostering innovation and positioning Northern Ireland as a premier destination for investment and tourism.
The Augment the City Challenge Fund represents a significant opportunity for businesses in Belfast to harness the power of immersive technologies in revolutionizing visitor experiences. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and government support, this initiative paves the way for a more engaging and technologically advanced tourism landscape in Northern Ireland. For local businesses eager to explore the possibilities of immersive technologies, the Augment the City Challenge Fund offers a gateway to innovation and growth.
Links to additional Resources: 1. https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ 2. https://www.belfastregioncitydeal.com/ 3. https://www.augmentthecity.org/