The New Zealand VR/AR Association (NZVRARA) and Wellington-based virtual reality company, Blackeye VR, have teamed to promote the VR/AR sector and accelerate adoption of VR and AR techniques by New Zealand organisations.
They have formed a strategic partnership that they say “formalises the roles of both organisations to work together to accelerate the education, development and evolution of this burgeoning sector.”
Since July 2017 the two organisations have been working together to produce what they say will be “an informative report on the current state of the wider cross reality sector.”
Blackeye describes itself as “a strategic partner providing funds and an in-kind contribution to help accelerate the growth of the industry.”
According to its (one page) web site it is working with the NZVRARA on an XR book to be released 19 October. This follows its first ‘black paper’ published in March and described as “a bunch of the latest info from around the globe.”
Blackeye VR, founded in September 2016, says it has focused its early efforts on educating New Zealand companies about the benefits of adopting virtual, augmented and mixed reality solutions through its consulting activities.
In July Blackeye co-founded PROJECTR, a virtual and mixed reality centre in Wellington, in conjunction with The Wellington Company and with support from the Wellington City Council, Victoria University of Wellington, EY and WREDA.
The New Zealand VR/AR Association was established in October 2016 to grow innovation in the virtual, augmented and mixed reality sectors. It claims to have more than 100 members.
Blackeye VR director and shareholder, Michael Gregg was the founding chair of NZVRARA and is serving his second term as chair and executive committee member. He said New Zealand had a window of opportunity to leverage its position as an early adopting nation of virtual and augmented realities.
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He said Blackeye was focusing on Singapore, Taiwan and Los Angeles as early stage locations to undertake international assignments.
“We are building a strong base of early expertise here talking to and working with a wide range of New Zealand sector companies. I’m excited about the potential of being part of taking this shared capability offshore to assist international brands and grow a strong export business.”