Top Kiwi innovators launch VR & AR association

The New Zealand VR/AR Association has just been created by a number of top Kiwi innovators.

It has also secured the rights as New Zealand's chapter of the global VR/AR Association, with chapters in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Asia.

The association aims to accelerate growth, foster research and education, develop industry standards, connect member organisations and promote services of member companies.

Members of the foundation include Wellington-based holographic VR/AR technology company 8i, Massey and Victoria Universities, along with a number of emerging New Zealand companies, such as Auckland-based Imersia and recently opened Christchurch HTC room-scale virtual reality experience space, The VR Room.

Jessica Manins, executive director for the New Zealand VR/AR Association, says they're all amazed at the potential of this emergent industry, which is predicted to be worth NZ$205 billion globally in five years.

"Spring-boarding off the game and entertainment industry could see the sector rivalling wine as a NZ$2.5 billon export industry for New Zealand within a decade," she says.

The association will represent and promote New Zealand's virtual, augmented and mixed reality sectors nationally and internationally, and will launch its first event in mid-October.

"It's vital that we connect nationally and build a robust platform for collective offshore representation. Being connected to the rapidly expanding global VR/AR Association is a great springboard to the US and other markets," explains Manins.

Global VR/AR Association president Nathan Pettyjohn says he is thrilled to see the launch of the New Zealand VR/AR Association and is excited to have the organisation join the VR/AR Association.

"The global connectivity created by the two organisations working together will help accelerate efficient growth and knowledge-sharing for companies across the world, and will help the world to tap into the innovation taking place in New Zealand.