Virtual reality and IASP

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the technologies being developed in science parks around the world, and its growing relevance was highlighted by IASP Istanbul keynote speaker Frank Soqui of Intel, who gave a taster of some of its potential in fields as diverse as sport to medical surgery, and emphasised the importance of science parks to the new technology.

During the Highlights at the conference, IASP COO Ebba Lund announced the signing of a new MOU with VR First, a global virtual reality programme designed to provide state-of-the-art facilities to anyone interested in exploring virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) development. VR First Labs and Centers are designed to be key locations for nurturing new talent in VR development. VR First also helps developers to convert ideas into business opportunities and brings developers together with established industry partners such as Intel.

Delegates at IASP Istanbul had the chance to try out some of VR First’s technology for themselves at their stand in the exhibition, where VR headsets allowed users to experience mountain climbing, skiing and space travel.

This collaboration will be focused on how virtual/augmented reality technologies can be brought closer to universities, incubators and the science park industry in general. The virtual reality sector is on the rise, and IASP is keen to develop these links further.

The MOU establishes mutually beneficially cooperation, with support and advice to IASP members on establishing self-sustainable VR/AR technology focused labs, centres of excellence and clusters and information on innovation and startup support programmes to attract the most promising VR/AR start-ups worldwide. Cooperation between IASP and VR First unlocks new and exciting opportunities for IASP members to facilitate, empower and attract innovators and major hardware manufacturers.

Find out more about what VR First does on their website www.vrfirst.com.