Now Live: Immersive Technology Consulting & Innovation Services from the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE), based at Algoma University Brampton

WHO & WHAT
The National Centre of Excellence for Immersive Technology (NCoE), based at Algoma University Brampton, has officially launched its XR, AR/VR, and AI consulting and innovation services. Designed to serve businesses, public sector organizations, and nonprofits across Ontario and Canada, this initiative brings together a curated network of expert consultants, developers, and strategists to deliver high-impact immersive technology solutions.

WHEN & WHERE
Launched in July 2025, the service is now live and accepting client requests. Operating out of Brampton, NCoE is strategically positioned within one of Canada’s fastest-growing innovation corridors—allowing it to collaborate with clients across industries including healthcare, education, smart infrastructure, retail, and advanced manufacturing.

WHY & ROI
This initiative unlocks measurable ROI by accelerating the adoption of immersive technologies through hands-on development, advisory support, and commercialization strategy. Clients benefit from flexible access to expertise—whether they’re building digital twins, launching XR training platforms, or exploring metaverse integrations. What excites us most is the power of XR to radically transform how we learn, design, heal, and connect. In a world increasingly shaped by spatial computing and immersive data, we believe XR will become foundational—not optional. The NCoE is here to ensure Canadian businesses don’t just keep up, but lead.

Your Website URL: https://immxrsive.com/ncoe-immersive-technology-consulting-innovation/

Virtualware | Your July dose of our 3D and XR news

Real needs. Real tech. Real impact.

The highlight of the past two months is our official start trading on Euronext Growth.

But there’s more for you to explore: from developer tools that speed up your work to award-winning VR solutions and new opportunities for universities. Here’s what is making XR matter right now.

1/ Euronext Growth, a new chapter

Trading on Euronext Growth is more than a financial milestone, it shows that XR is becoming a trusted enterprise technology. A solid step forward for everyone betting on immersive tech to deliver real results.

Read more about the uplisting

2/ Build faster with VIROO 3.0

The new release makes your XR projects easier to build, test and scale. With standalone developer tools, you get more control and less friction, so you can focus on creating instead of troubleshooting.

Take a look at what’s new

3/ Best VR Solutions 2025

Looking for an solid enterxprise  XR platform? VIROO Room just earned the title of Best Virtual Reality Solution 2025, proving that enterprise XR can be reliable, scalable and award-winning.

Find out why

4/ University Grant

Thinking about bringing XR to your classroom or lab? The new VIROO University Grant Program gives you access to tools and training to kickstart immersive learning at your institution..

Check the details

5/ XR in higher education

Want to know what works in XR for universities right now? Our latest whitepaper shares real use cases, lessons learned, and what comes next for immersive learning at scale.

Download the whitepaper

Further updates, quick reads

• Rewatch our latest webinar on how universities are driving innovation with XR and digital engineering.

• HoloLight partnership: VIROO integration

• Invest WindsorEssex: NextStar Energy battery training

• Evertech XR partnership in Canada

• Industrial digitalization: VIROO + Simumatik at BeDigital

VRARA Coral Event | AWE 2025

🌊✨ Following an unforgettable AWE 2025 in Long Beach, the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Coral Event brought the community together for an evening of connection, celebration, and pure good vibes!

Industry leaders and pioneers from across the immersive tech world gathered to share ideas, forge new relationships, and reflect on an inspiring week at AWE.

A huge shoutout to Arvin Tehrani (VRARA Orange County President) & Steffanie Fowler for hosting such a fantastic event — your leadership and passion continue to push our industry forward!

Here’s to more innovation, collaboration, and moments like these. 💫🙌

Nathan Pettyjohn Ariane Fikki 🔜 NEXPLORE John A. Cunningham Meg Amsden Kris Kolo | #VRARA #AWE2025 #XRCommunity #ImmersiveTech #Networking #Innovation #VR #AR #MixedReality

XPANCEO Becomes a Unicorn with $250M Raise to Create Ultimate Form Factor for AI-Powered XR Computing

The pioneering deep tech company behind the world’s first smart contact lenses raises $250 million at a $1.35 billion valuation to fast-track the launch of a multifunctional, AI-powered XR lens that will replace all personal devices and end the era of screens.

Dubai, UAE, July 8, 2025 — XPANCEO, a leading deep tech company developing the next generation of computing via smart contact lenses, today announced the successful closing of a $250 million Series A funding round at a $1.35 billion valuation, officially joining the ranks of unicorns. The round will accelerate the company’s mission to launch the world’s first all-in-one smart contact lens, integrating extended reality (XR), real-time health monitoring, night vision, and zoom into the ultimate interface for the next generation of computing: an AI-powered XR.

The round was led by Opportunity Venture (Asia), who previously spearheaded XPANCEO’s $40 million seed round. The new capital will be used to finalize the development of the world’s first smart contact lens, expand XPANCEO’s world-class team across R&D, product, design, and operations, and accelerate the company’s path to market, with the ultimate goal of replacing all personal gadgets with a single, seamless wearable.

“There’s broad consensus across Big Tech that AI-powered wearable XR is the future. Yet, major players have only recently begun building glasses and headsets, so our smart lens technology puts us at least five years ahead,” said Roman Axelrod, founder and Managing Partner at XPANCEO. “Becoming a unicorn is a powerful signal that we’re on the right path. In just 24 months, we’ve developed 15 working prototypes, each unlocking a new layer of possibility. Our vision remains the same: to merge all your devices into a single, invisible interface – your eyes.”

Since its last round in 2023, XPANCEO has achieved major technological breakthroughs, including the development a lens for AR vision, a smart lens with intraocular pressure (IOP) sensing for glaucoma monitoring, a biochemical lens capable of measuring health parameters such as glucose directly from tear fluid, and a lens capable of real-time wireless charging and data reading. Other prototypes feature nanoparticle-enhanced lenses for night vision and color correction, as well as lenses designed for 3D imaging. These innovations have earned XPANCEO and its founders 24 international awards in deep tech, optics, and wearable technology.

“To build something this ambitious, we had to push the boundaries of science itself,” said Dr. Valentyn S. Volkov, Founder and Scientific Partner at XPANCEO. “Our team possesses exceptional expertise at the forefront of physics, including on novel materials, nanoparticles development, nano-optics, and more. Our unique approach to research, which leverages AI to optimize our R&D workflows and patent analysis, allowed us to accelerate the development of an unprecedented number of prototypes in a short time and contribute to 110 scientific publications in leading journals, collaborating closely with world-renowned experts.”

Founded by serial entrepreneur Roman Axelrod and physicist Dr. Valentyn S. Volkov, XPANCEO has rapidly scaled its operations, doubling both its team and laboratory capacity. The company has grown from 50 to 100 world-class scientists, engineers, and business leaders, while its state-of-the-art lab has expanded significantly to support the increasing scope of its research. XPANCEO collaborates with top global institutions – including the University of Manchester, the National University of Singapore, Donostia International Physics Center, and the University of Dubai – to remain at the forefront of material science and optics. With a market opportunity projected to surpass $750 billion over the next decade, the company is accelerating its push toward commercialization.

“We see XPANCEO as a once-in-a-generation project,” said Philip Ma, Managing Director of Opportunity Venture (Asia). “They’re not just building a product, they’re rewriting the rules of personal tech. We backed them early because we saw the boldness of their vision. Today, they’ve proven they can execute. With this funding, XPANCEO is poised to lead the post-smartphone era and redefine the personal computing landscape.”

How Catharina Hospital Brings VR to the ICU

Catharina Hospital is a large city hospital with approximately 4,500 employees, known for its highly specialized care, particularly in cardiovascular and cancer treatments, alongside providing essential basic care. Committed to delivering top-tier clinical care, Catharina Hospital sought innovative solutions to enhance staff training and preparedness — with a particular focus onbringing simulation-based learning directly to the workplace.

The Challenge - Bridging the Gap in Critical Care Training:

Catharina Hospital faced several key challenges in providing effective and timely training for its staff, particularly in behavioral or social skills. Traditional training methods presented limitations in:

• Replicating High-Stress Situations: Certain critical events, such as the need for arterial blood sampling in the ICU, are infrequent but require swift and precise action. Traditional training struggled to recreate the time-sensitive and high-stakes environment effectively.

• Balancing Training with Workload: Busy healthcare professionals, especially nurses, often found it challenging to attend off-site or lengthy physical training sessions. This made on-the-job learning essential.

• Limited Practice Opportunities: For procedures like arterial blood sampling, there were limited opportunities for hands-on practice. Relying on real patients for practice was neither ethical nor optimal for learning.

Essentially, obtaining a certification in arterial blood sampling was difficult because the procedure rarely occurs. However, when there is a need, it is urgent that it is addressed quickly. This created a situation where in-person training was not reasonable, but the hospital still wanted to maintain a true-to-life training experience and emphasize the theoretical knowledge required through a VR experience.

The Warp VR Solution - Immersive, Realistic, and Accessible Training:

Catharina Hospital explored various solutions, but ultimately chose Warp VR for its superior user-friendliness and, most importantly, its truly immersive nature. The hospital found that other solutions, being primarily 3D, lacked the sense of presence and realism necessary for effective training. As one staff member noted, "At this moment 3D is a bit of a gimmick because it isn't actually immersive."

Warp VR's 360-degree immersive virtual reality scenarios offered several key advantages:

• True Immersiveness: Warp VR allowed staff to experience realistic settings, including familiar rooms and colleagues, creating a personal and engaging learning environment.

• Safe Practice Environment: VR provides a safe space for staff to make mistakes, observe the consequences of their actions, and learn from them without any risk to patients. In some cases, trainers even encouraged deliberate errors to facilitate learning.

• Visual Learning: Catharina Hospital recognized the effectiveness of visual learning, particularly for nurses, and Warp VR's immersive scenarios catered to this preference.

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Warp VR enabled on-the-job learning, allowing staff to complete training during less busy periods or night shifts, eliminating the need for time-consuming off-site training.

Demonstrable Impact and Enthusiastic Adoption:

The implementation of Warp VR at Catharina Hospital has been met with enthusiastic adoption from staff, with initial feedback — particularly from the ICU — being overwhelmingly positive:

• Ease of Use and Rapid Adoption: Nurses were able to use the arterial blood sampling scenario without any prior introduction or explanation, demonstrating the platform's intuitive design.

• Positive Feedback from Critical Staff: ICU nurses were particularly enthusiastic about the VR training. Their positive feedback validated the effectiveness of the solution. As one ICU nurse and instructor noted, "The fact that they are enthusiastic about the training means it must be good."

• Addressing a Critical Training Gap: The VR training effectively addressed the challenge of providing regular practice for infrequent but critical procedures like arterial blood sampling. Again, the problem is that this situation "didn’t happen that often," and nurses needed recertification every two years, but physical simulations and patient availability were limited.

Looking Ahead - Expanding the Scope of VR Training:

Catharina Hospital is planning to expand its VR training program to cover a wider range of scenarios and roles. The next planned scenario has to do with fire escape and then dealing with aggression within the hospital. Driven by the potential of virtual reality in healthcare, we are committed to expanding its adoption within our hospital and fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other institutions to accelerate innovation together.

Virtualware | VIROO 3.0 is now available

The new VIROO® 3.0 is now available—designed to centralize operations, empower developers, and simplify deployment, this update offers a suite of innovations tailored for organizations building and deploying immersive applications at scale.

Key updates include:

• Standalone app support for Meta Quest, HTC, and Pico headsets.

• Unity 6 compatibility and tools to build and publish XR apps directly from VIROO Studio.

• VIROO Cloud, a central interface to manage apps, users, roles, and platform updates.

The release also includes improvements to single-user workflows, updated documentation, and a new Discord space for developer collaboration.

️ Watch the teaser video

Let us know if you’d like a demo or further details—we’d love to show you what VIROO 3.0 can do.

More information here.

New Book There Is No Box Challenges Educators and Leaders to Rethink Learning in the Digital Age

In an era where traditional learning methods struggle to keep pace with modern workforce and educational demands, There Is No Box: Rewiring Your Mindset About Learning emerges as a groundbreaking call to action for educators, trainers, and learning leaders. Co-authored by Dr. Christine Janssen and Dr. Yogini Joglekar, There Is No Box explores how immersive technologies, emerging digital tools, and new learning paradigms can revolutionize how we teach, train, and develop tomorrow’s leaders.

“Education and professional development have been using the same outdated frameworks for far too long,” says Dr. Christine Janssen, co-author of There Is No Box and CEO of Edstutia. “This book isn’t just about thinking outside the box—it’s about eliminating the box entirely to build something more effective, inclusive, and transformative.”

A Blueprint for the Future of Learning

There Is No Box provides a bold, research-backed look at why legacy education and training models are failing modern learners. The book breaks down critical trends shaping the future of learning, including:

• The Rise of Immersive Technology – How Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping training and education.

• The Shift from Passive to Experiential Learning – Why hands-on, interactive learning is the key to engagement, long-term knowledge retention, and skill development.

• Building Future-Ready Skills – How educators and trainers need to adapt to equip learners with the skills needed for an evolving workforce.

But in order to change behaviors and action, learning leaders need to first alter their mindsets about what’s possible for learners when the imaginary box is removed altogether. The book is full of hard data and real-world examples from visionaries, as well as tools and resources to ignite the fire in your belly to take action.

“Innovation in learning isn’t a choice—it’s an imperative,” adds Dr. Yogini Joglekar, co-author and COO of Edstutia. “We wrote There Is No Box to challenge traditional thinking and provide a roadmap for learning professionals who want to create real, lasting change.”

Available Now

There Is No Box is available now in print and digital formats at Amazon. For more information, review copies, or interview requests, please contact:

Erin Higgins
ehiggins@edstutia.com

VRARA promo link: https://thereisnoboxbook.com/members-vrara

About the Authors
Dr. Christine Janssen and Dr. Yogini Joglekar are the co-founders of Edstutia, a pioneering immersive learning company that integrates XR and AI into higher education and professional development. With decades of experience in business, education, and learning technology, they are dedicated to shaping the future of learning by embracing innovation and disruption.

Leadership Update: Emma Valdes Named DC Chapter President

CP Announcement for Emma Valdes - DC Chapter President

Emma Valdés serves as in-house counsel to leading mid-Atlantic investment firm, Knollwood Investment Advisory, where she manages private investment operations and early-stage deal term review across such key verticals as enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, spatial and web3.0 technologies. Dual-trained in business and law, Emma excels at making industry jargon accessible to non-legal stakeholders, offering clear, actionable guidance on regulatory risks, potential liability pitfalls, ecosystem readiness, and ethical product design.

A trusted voice and demonstrated thought-leader with the D.C. deep tech ecosystem, Emma has contributed robust research to academic, standards, and professional publications across the gamut of Metaverse technologies. To date, she has completed work at the intersection of data privacy, cognitive liberty, decentralized governance, and cyber speech rights, as well as a forthcoming book on virtual personhood. Moving forward, her ambitions aim to enhance neurological and situational accessibility, as well as cultural sensitivity, through the power of immersion.

As VR/ARA Washington D.C. Chapter President, Emma looks forward to hosting industry events, expert panels, founder pitches, and resource sessions for XR-industry and adjacent-tech builders, buyers, and investors in and around the Capitol region.  Uniquely attuned to the policy posture and partnership potential around AI-XR innovation, she is excited to marry her legal-tech knowledge and early-stage network to showcase the exceptional companies and novel technologies propelling deep tech ecosystem growth in D.C. and across the globe.

VR/AR Association Launches Denver Chapter, Appoints FS Studio CEO Tim Martin as Chapter President

VR/AR Association Launches Denver Chapter, Appoints FS Studio CEO Tim Martin as Chapter President

Denver, CO – The VR/AR Association (VRARA) is proud to announce the official launch of its Denver Chapter, appointing Tim Martin, Founder and CEO of FS Studio, as Chapter President. This marks a strategic expansion into a region rapidly gaining global attention for its innovation in immersive technology, simulation, and AI-driven spatial computing.

As CEO of FS Studio, Tim Martin leads a team at the forefront of real-time simulation, digital twin development, and synthetic data generation for robotics, autonomous systems, and immersive training. Under his leadership, FS Studio has collaborated with companies such as Google DeepMind, Agility Robotics, Kaiser Permanente, Waymo, Toyota Research Institute, and Blue Origin, delivering enterprise-grade solutions that merge high-fidelity 3D content with core technical innovation.

Nathan Pettyjohn, Founder & President of the VR/AR Association, said:
“Denver is emerging as a vibrant hub for immersive technology, combining a strong creative ecosystem with world-class research institutions and entrepreneurial energy. Under Tim’s leadership, we’re excited to build a thriving community that connects local talent to global opportunities.”

Tim Martin adds:

“Colorado is home to a powerful mix of industries—aerospace, defense, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare—all of which are rapidly adopting immersive technology for training, simulation, and AI development. The state’s depth in engineering talent, federal R&D presence, and entrepreneurial innovation makes it an ideal location to lead in spatial computing. I’m excited to help unite this ecosystem and position Denver as a national leader in XR and real-time simulation.”

Why Denver?

Denver and the broader Colorado region are not just seeing growth; they are actively cultivating a vibrant ecosystem where immersive technology, advanced simulation, and AI solutions are not just adopted, but pioneered. This unique confluence of factors makes Denver the ideal location for local businesses to gain a competitive edge, foster talent, and drive significant innovation:

• A Magnet for Top Tech Talent: Denver consistently ranks among the top cities for tech talent growth and concentration. Our highly educated workforce, with a high concentration of residents holding bachelor's degrees (over 50%), and a booming influx of young professionals (20s and 30s), provides a robust pipeline of skilled individuals in AI, software development, data science, and engineering – critical for XR and simulation development. Local universities like the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado School of Mines are continuously feeding this talent pool with cutting-edge research and graduates. This means Denver businesses have unparalleled access to the expertise needed to build and scale immersive solutions.

• A Thriving Innovation & Startup Hub: Beyond established giants, Denver boasts a dynamic startup scene with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The city is a national leader in startup creation, particularly in tech, healthtech, and advanced industries. This fosters a culture of rapid innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace new technologies. For Denver businesses, this means a fertile ground for pilot programs, agile partnerships, and access to a network of innovative solutions being built right here in the city. Organizations like Denver Startup Week and numerous local accelerators (e.g., Techstars' influence, Boomtown Accelerators) exemplify this supportive environment.

• Strategic Industry Convergence – Local Demand & Global Impact: Denver's economic diversity isn't just a talking point; it's a strategic advantage for XR adoption. Our key industries are not merely exploring immersive tech, they are actively integrating it, creating immediate demand and unique collaboration opportunities for Denver-based XR companies:

• Aerospace & Defense: With a significant presence of Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and critical U.S. Space Force operations (including Space Command), Denver businesses can directly tap into massive demand for simulation, digital twin development for mission rehearsal, systems testing, and immersive training solutions. This isn't just about large federal contracts; it's about localized supply chain and R&D opportunities.

• Advanced Robotics & Automation: Denver's burgeoning robotics sector, home to innovators like AMP Robotics and Outrider, offers direct opportunities for businesses providing synthetic data and simulation environments crucial for developing and validating AI-driven autonomous systems for logistics, manufacturing, and more.

• Manufacturing & Industrial Innovation: Local manufacturers are increasingly seeking XR to boost efficiency, safety, and training. This includes virtual commissioning, equipment simulation, and highly realistic workforce onboarding. Denver-based XR firms can solve critical challenges for regional industrial players.

• Healthcare & Medical Simulation: Leading institutions like Kaiser Permanente, UCHealth, and Children’s Hospital Colorado are at the forefront of leveraging immersive training. This presents a robust local market for companies specializing in surgical simulation, remote diagnostics, patient education, and virtual therapy solutions.

• Smart Cities & Infrastructure: Denver's progressive stance on urban development, exemplified by initiatives like the 16th Street Mall reconstruction and focus on sustainable growth, provides fertile ground for XR in infrastructure visualization, digital twin applications for urban planning, and public engagement, allowing local firms to shape the city's future.

• Robust Funding and Supportive Infrastructure: Denver's entrepreneurial ecosystem is backed by a growing network of venture capital firms and angel investors specifically interested in deep tech. Furthermore, the city offers a wealth of co-working spaces, incubators, and innovation hubs (e.g., The Commons on Champa) that provide affordable office spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative environments conducive to ideation and productivity for local businesses. The presence of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office satellite office also supports local innovators.

This unique combination of talent, entrepreneurial drive, direct industry demand, and supportive infrastructure positions Denver as a leading force in XR innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities for local businesses to thrive and redefine the future of spatial computing.

Join the Movement in Denver

The VRARA Denver Chapter invites professionals, startups, academic institutions, and enterprise leaders to engage with the growing XR community. Whether you’re building immersive tools or exploring how XR can transform your business, you’ll gain:

• Exclusive networking opportunities

• Access to global VRARA industry events

• Visibility on a global stage

• Cutting-edge XR insights and resources

• A supportive community driving the future of immersive technology

To learn more about membership or to get involved with the Denver Chapter, please reach out to denver@thevrara.comor info@thevrara.com, or visit www.thevrara.com.

To learn more about membership benefits or to become involved, please reach out to denver@thevrara.com or info@thevrara.com, or visit www.thevrara.com.

T-Pain in 4D, Now Live on Soapbox

T-Pain in 4D, Now Live on Soapbox – Major Music Industry Announcements Coming and Holographic Concert Tech Unveiled

Atlanta, GA – June 24th, 2025 – The Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) is proud to spotlight Soapbox, a trailblazing immersive platform bringing artists directly into fan’s living rooms in VR and as life-size holograms. Continuing its mission to elevate music experiences, Soapbox just unveiled its newest artist launch: T-Pain, the multi-platinum innovator known for pushing boundaries in sound, tech, and culture.

T-Pain’s immersive 4D content is now available as a free download exclusively on Soapbox for Meta Quest users. Fans can step right into T-Pain’s “Dreaming” music video and become a part of his interactive performance. They can also have T-Pain step directly into their own living rooms.

🛒 Featured in USA Today:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/shopping/2025/05/28/whats-in-your-cart-t-pain/83884289007

“They [Soapbox] are doing some really unique stuff in the VR space when it comes to artists and music—something to check out for sure! Also, you can hang out with me from your living room, so there is that.” – T-Pain

It’s not just a concert—it’s a whole new way to connect. Alongside this launch, Soapbox is preparing to unveil additional releases from chart-topping artists and rising stars, plus major music industry partnerships to be announced later this summer.

Soapbox is also expanding its high-tech engagement suite, including multi-musician hologram performance recordings – a new standard for immersive artist-fan interaction.

“We’re about to release what we believe will be the first-ever full band live hologram recording with a 5-piece metal band,” said Soapbox CEO Kevin Sellors.

The experiment, turned R&D project with metalcore band Norma Jean was released in collaboration with Solidstate Records as a proof of concept on the Soapbox platform on Friday, June 20th.

“The capture isn’t perfect, there are some imperfections, but the raw energy of the band is there, and it is total magic. We feel it’s important to release this into the universe as an indication of the future and where things are headed. Imagine if you could walk through Led Zeppelin rocking out back in 1969, walk up to Bonham to see what was really going on. The world missed that opportunity, but we can film the greats in this format now and preserve them forever,” explains Kevin.

“We’re not just redefining recorded music – we’re preserving performance art in a way that’s both personal and permanent,” added Soapbox Co-Founder and COO Ryan Sellors (yes, they’re brothers!).

“As a VRARA member, Soapbox continues to collaborate with XR and industry leaders to push the boundaries of spatial entertainment, fueling innovation across the Atlanta tech and arts ecosystem – and beyond,” said VRARA Atlanta Chapter President Adam Kornuth.

🔗 Explore Soapbox’s tech-powered music experiences:
https://www.soapbox.us
https://www.instagram.com/soapbox.us
https://www.youtube.com/@SoapboxUS

About VRARA
The Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) is a global organization advancing the XR ecosystem by fostering collaboration among top innovators and connecting professionals across industries.
Learn more: www.thevrara.com

Virtualware and Hololight announce strategic partnership to integrate VIROO into Hololight Hub at AWE USA 2025

Virtualware, a global leader in 3D-driven enterprise software, and Hololight, a pioneer in XR streaming technology unveil their strategic partnership at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA 2025, taking place this week in Long Beach, California.

The partnership integrates Virtualware’s award-winning XR platform, VIROO into Hololight Hub, Hololight’s secure, device-agnostic XR streaming platform.

This move enables enterprises to access and deploy VIROO’s multiuser and collaborative capabilities for engineering, training and simulation, across a wide range of XR devices without the constraints of hardware or location.

Hololight Hub serves as a centralized platform for hosting, streaming, and scaling AR/VR applications within enterprise environments.

The addition of VIROO strengthens the Hub’s industrial offering by enabling high-end multiuser applications in fields like manufacturing, energy, and defense. Adding VIROO expands the platform’s offerings, providing users with advanced tools for creating and deploying collaborative immersive applications for industrial use.
“This partnership removes a technical barrier that often slows down XR adoption. We’re not only making VIROO more accessible; we’re aligning with Hololight’s approach to enterprise scalability and flexibility” says David Moreno, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer of Virtualware. “AWE gives us the perfect stage to not only showcase VIROO, but to empower enterprise users to share what’s truly working in real deployments.”

“Our collaboration with Virtualware brings a new dimension to Hololight Hub’s ecosystem,” said Florian Haspinger, Co-founder & CEO of Hololight. “We’re enhancing our platform’s capabilities to support more comprehensive training and simulation solutions for our enterprise clients.”
Live demonstrations of the integrated solution are taking place at Hololight’s booth throughout AWE USA 2025, offering visitors an up-close look at VIROO-powered immersive applications streamed across devices. AWE is the world’s leading spatial computing event, where innovators and industry leaders converge to shape the future of XR.

About Hololight
Hololight provides the technical bridge between XR applications and XR devices. Powered by its proprietary XR streaming technology, Hololight pixel-streams XR applications from cloud or on-premise infrastructure - overcoming device, performance, and security limitations. Its platform makes these streamed experiences accessible to everyone, delivering XR like Netflix delivers movies. Founded in 2015, Hololight serves the global market from offices in Germany, Austria, and the United States. Discover Hololight's transformative XR technology at hololight.com.

About Virtualware
With more than two decades of expertise in building enterprise solutions globally, Virtualware (EPA: MLVIR) is a leading expert in 3D-driven enterprise software. The company delivers a professional and practical approach to real-time 3D by providing companies and institutions with the tools and support they need to grow, strengthen, and accelerate their adoption of advanced visualization and simulation technologies, including XR, digital twin and virtual commissioning.

Your Website URL: https://www.virtualwareco.com/news/hololight-partnership-viroo-integration/

XPANCEO Partners with the University of Dubai to Propel Deep Tech Innovation

XPANCEO, a leading deep tech company pioneering the next generation of computing via the development of smart contact lenses, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Dubai.

This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation at the nexus of academia and industry. Ranked among the UAE’s top six academic and corporate organizations by the Nature Index, XPANCEO is on track to unveil the world’s first fully integrated smart contact lens by 2026.

Its partner, the University of Dubai — established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 1997 — is one of the region’s most forward-thinking academic institutions. It is internationally accredited by AACSB and ABET, and is a key player in the UAE’s thriving innovation ecosystem.

Key areas of collaboration include joint R&D projects and co-authored publications that target high-impact scientific and technological advances. The partnership also includes internship and mentorship programs designed to integrate students into active research settings and provide co-supervision for senior research projects.

Both parties will share access to laboratory facilities to support collaborative innovation. They will also organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and expert lectures to facilitate knowledge exchange. Additionally, the partnership will focus on joint involvement in innovation challenges and international hackathons.

This partnership reinforces XPANCEO’s ongoing commitment to building an ecosystem of visionary thinkers and innovators, while supporting the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global innovation hub.

“At XPANCEO, we don’t just build breakthrough technologies — we help shape the minds that will define the future. That’s why we put a strong focus on cultivating new talent across our core research areas. Our collaboration with the University of Dubai gives students direct access to live challenges in optics, nanomaterials, and bio-integration. They bring curiosity, fresh perspective, and the drive to push science beyond today’s limits. We bring deep expertise, infrastructure, and a set of ambitious tasks. This partnership is a hands-on step toward growing local talent and developing the kind of innovation ecosystem that the future demands.”

Valentyn Volkov, Co-Founder, Scientific Partner at XPANCEO

"As a leading academic institution committed to research-driven innovation, we see this partnership as an opportunity to contribute to the advancement and responsible application of next-generation wearable technologies.

This initiative aligns closely with our strategic goals to bridge the gap between academia and industry, foster emerging tech ecosystems in the UAE, and prepare our students to become pioneers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai

Learn More

Virtualware will uplist on Euronext Growth Paris on June 19, following market approval

Virtualware, a pioneer in 3D-driven enterprise software, will uplist to Euronext Growth Paris on June 19, under the ticker ALVIR following approval by the exchange’s admission committee.

Virtualware’s uplist will enable the company to operate in a Multilateral Trading Facility with greater market liquidity, aiming for a broader diversification of its investor base and access to new financing instruments.

The company went public via a direct listing process on Euronext Access, the market’s junior segment, in April 2023 at a valuation of 27 million euros.

“This process brings to culmination a two-year journey that began with listing on the Euronext Access Paris in April 2023 and marks an important step forward for Virtualware as we position ourselves to respond to the unprecedented rise in global demand for Real-time 3D enterprise solutions. The uplisting will allow us to tap into increased liquidity and investor interest and fulfill our Strategic Plan, and open the doors to further, important markets” saidUnai Extremo (CEO & Founder of Virtualware)

Unai Extremo (CEO), Sergio Barrera (CTO)

Recently, the company reported audited results showing a 91% increase in its full year 2024 EBITDA to 808,000 euros. Pre-tax profit climbed 1712% to 598,000 euros.

Financial net debt to EBITDA ratio stood at 0.5 times at the end of 2024. Subscription-based services accounted for 41% of total revenue. VIROO XRaaS revenue grew from 590,555 euros in 2022 to 1,288,060 euros in 2023, reaching 1,725,719 euros by the end of 2024 and marking a 192% increase over two years.

Euronext is a federation of exchanges comprising the Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Oslo, Milan, Lisbon, and Dublin markets. Meanwhile, Euronext Growth is the marketplace for high-potential SMEs seeking to access European capital. As a multilateral trading platform, it enables simultaneous trading across multiple European financial centers.

Virtualware, founded in 2004 and one of the leading experts in immersive and 3D technology solutions, has seen a 35% increase in the value of the company’s shares since the initial listing in 2023. Virtualware’s current market capitalization is € 36.79 million.

Virtualware’s client base includes GE Vernova, Petronas, Volvo, Gestamp, Alstom, ADIF, Bosch, Biogen, Kessler Foundation, Invest WindsorEssex, McMaster University, the University of El Salvador, Ohio University, the Spanish Ministry of Defense and the Basque Government.

During this period, its software solutions have become synonymous with cutting-edge 3D enterprise.

In October 2024, Virtualware acquired Swedish company Simumatik, expanding its capabilities in digital twin and simulation technologies. This acquisition aligns with the company’s three-year Strategic Plan to support key industries, including energy, automotive, transportation, defense, manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

In 2024, Virtualware also presented a three-year (2024-2026) Strategic Plan featuring expansion in North America, channel-based organic growth, and inorganic acquisitions.

The company’s headquarters are in Bilbao, Spain, with offices in Orlando, US, Toronto, Canada, and Skövde, Sweden.

LKS Next acted as the transaction listing sponsor for the uplisting process. Kepler Cheuvreux will serve as liquidity provider once the company’s shares start trading on Euronext Growth. Pedrosa acted as financial communications and investor relations advisor.

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Sony Electronics' Spatial Reality Display Now Supports Unreal Engine-Based Application Twinmotion

Alignment with Leading 3D Content Creation Tools Provides Enhanced Compatibility that Offers Users Increased Realism and Promotes Creative Freedom

Sony Electronics Inc. is excited to announce that its groundbreaking Spatial Reality Display now supports Twinmotion—an application powered by Unreal Engine—further enhancing the capabilities and applications of this innovative technology.

 The Spatial Reality Display, which is a part of Sony’s XYN™ (/zin/) brand, a lineup of solutions that integrate software and hardware for the creation of Spatial Content, and is renowned for its stunning 3D visuals and immersive, glasses-free experience, can now seamlessly integrate with Twinmotion, a powerful real-time visualization tool developed by Epic Games. This integration enables architects, designers, and creators to bring their projects to life with unparalleled realism and interactivity.

Twinmotion is a real-time 3D visualization software that enables anyone—from architects and designers to filmmakers and other storytellers—to easily produce high-quality media and immersive experiences from 3D data. It offers an intuitive interface and a robust feature set, making it accessible to both beginners and professionals. With Twinmotion, users can quickly and easily create detailed scenes; add realistic lighting and effects; and produce high-quality images, panoramas, standard or 360° Virtual Reality (VR) videos, and interactive presentations.

 One of the standout features of Twinmotion is its seamless integration with Unreal Engine, enabling users to start a project in Twinmotion and then take it into Unreal Engine for further enhancement. This workflow provides users with the flexibility and creative freedom to develop their projects to their fullest potential. The Datasmith technology built into both tools enables this smooth transition, ensuring that all the elements and details created in Twinmotion are accurately transferred to Unreal Engine for further refinement.

Twinmotion's easy-to-use user interface (UI) and photorealistic real-time rendering, combined with the Spatial Reality Display's advanced 3D technology, provide users with a unique and powerful toolset for creating and presenting their work. Whether it's architectural designs, product prototypes, or immersive storytelling, the possibilities are endless.

"Integrating Twinmotion with Sony's Spatial Reality Display opens up new possibilities for our users," said Sebastien Miglio, Vice President at Twinmotion. "The combination of our real-time 3D immersive visualization software with Sony's advanced 3D technology offers an exciting opportunity for users to create and present their work with exceptional realism and interactivity."

"We are thrilled to expand the functionality of the Spatial Reality Display by incorporating support for Twinmotion," said Thaisa Yamamura, Head of XR Business Development at Sony Electronics Inc. "This integration enables our users to visualize their designs in a more dynamic and engaging way, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in 3D visualization."

For more information about Sony’s Spatial Reality Display and its new Twinmotion support, please visit https://pro.sony/ue_US/products/spatial-reality-displays/3d-professional-images.

How Fontys University uses VR for Clinical Skills

Fontys University is a leading Dutch institution offering strong programs in healthcare, social work, and technology. With a focus on clinical education, Fontys continuously adopts advanced teaching methods to provide top-notch education to its students.

The Challenge - Increase Quality and Consistency:

‍Fontys School of People and Health sought to enhance the quality and consistency of its clinical education programs. They wanted to address key challenges that students face during their training, especially in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, professional collaboration, and project management. In an effort to address each of these problems in one innovative solution, the research group for "person-centredness" in an Ageing Society at Fontys decided to explore VR as a potential solution.

Key areas for improvement:

• Clinical Reasoning: Students struggled to develop complex clinical reasoning skills that are essential for diagnosing and treating patients.

• Evidence-Based Practice: There was a need to improve students’ ability to integrate research and evidence into clinical decision-making.

• Collaboration with Professionals: Training lacked realistic scenarios for students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary setting.

• Project Management: Students were not adequately prepared for managing complex healthcare projects, which are an essential part of modern medical practice.

These four key areas cover a good amount of the work done by nurses. It’s critical that students are able to address the needs of patients quickly and effectively, especially in situations where not all information is readily available. Professionals must deduce the most appropriate intervention methods based on what evidence and resources are available, whether those come from surroundings, “book” knowledge, experience, or other available professionals.

Solution - Brining VR Into the Mix

Fontys University collaborated with Warp VR to integrate Virtual Reality (VR) into their curriculum, offering immersive learning experiences that focus on the aforementioned areas.

• Clinical Reasoning:
  

  • Created VR scenarios where students face realistic patient cases, requiring them to apply clinical reasoning skills in real-time.

  • Allowed students to practice decision-making and diagnosis in a safe, risk-free environment.

• Evidence-Based Practice:
  

  • Developed VR simulations where students are presented with medical cases that require them to search for and apply evidence from clinical guidelines.

  • VR environments enabled students to explore complex clinical cases and better understand the integration of research into practice.

• Collaboration with Professionals:
  

  • Used VR to simulate interdisciplinary team collaboration, allowing students to interact with virtual professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) and solve medical problems together.

  • Provided exposure to real-life multidisciplinary interactions and improved communication skills.

• Project Management:
  

  • Integrated VR projects that simulate healthcare management tasks, requiring students to plan, execute, and evaluate medical projects.

  • Enabled students to experience the full scope of project management in healthcare settings, from planning to delivery.

Results

The integration of VR into Fontys’ healthcare programs had significant impacts on both students and instructors.

Fontys successfully experimented with VR across several healthcare clinical placements, resulting in measurable improvements in several areas. Students reported feeling more confident in their clinical reasoning abilities, with many noting that VR simulations helped them better understand and apply evidence-based practice. Additionally, the immersive scenarios created stronger engagement in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

• Enhanced Clinical Skills: Students showed notable improvement in applying clinical reasoning and making evidence-based decisions.

• Improved Collaboration: The VR simulations helped students develop better communication skills and teamwork, preparing them for real-world multidisciplinary environments.

• Project Management: Students gained practical project management experience, which they were able to apply to real-life healthcare settings.

This approach has not only improved the quality of education but also helped Fontys stay at the cutting edge of healthcare training by using immersive technology to simulate complex, real-world scenarios. Fontys continues to refine its curriculum, and plans to expand the use of VR to other areas of the curriculum.

Our team is pleased to announce the launch of two exciting new clinical trials in women's health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Holistic Families Lab

Our team is pleased to announce the launch of two exciting new clinical trials in women's health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Holistic Families Lab.

The first study, “A Virtual Reality Intervention for Stress, Resilience, and Blood Pressure Management in Black Women” (Realist Women Study; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06544902), aims to evaluate whether a virtual reality (VR) program can support Black women in managing stress and improving cardiovascular health. The study will assess outcomes such as sleep quality, stress levels, and the overall effectiveness of the VR intervention. Additionally, it will explore potential barriers Black women may encounter when using VR technology.
To learn more about eligibility criteria, please see the attached flyer or click here: https://redcap.miami.edu/surveys/?s=F9YKHMRPAYJ9EKJK

The second study, “Efficacy of a Culturally-Sensitive Telehealth Platform in Fostering Community-Based Care Coordination for Respectful Maternal Mental Health” (The Cocooned Moms Study; ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06968650), employs a pre- and post-design to examine whether providing access to the InovCares mobile app can reduce stress, depressive symptoms, and blood pressure among expectant Black women. InovCares is a culturally tailored telehealth platform offering a maternal mental health program that includes resources addressing social determinants of health, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, compassion-focused therapy (CFT), peer-to-peer support, and gamification. The study will evaluate the impact of this intervention on reported stress, depression, sleep quality, and blood pressure in pregnant participants.
To learn more about eligibility criteria specific to this study, please see the attached flyer or click here:https://redcap.miami.edu/surveys/?s=AXPF7PH4KKNYLPCF

Participants in both studies will receive $75 as compensation for their participation.
We encourage you to share both study flyers within your networks.

Healium Awarded Sole Source Contract Status with US Military for Mental Health Solutions. Groundbreaking Technology Personifies Bio-Data into Immersive, Reactive Media

Healium, the world leader in immersive biofeedback solutions, is proud to announce sole source contract status with the US military. Healium is already healing at VA hospitals across the country using its award-winning virtual and augmented reality experiences. The successful execution of this most recent US Air Force contract expands its products for PTSD, anxiety, and sleep to the nation’s 300,000 US Airmen. 

Healium’s mental fitness training and patented technology bring biometric data to life inside virtual, augmented, or mixed reality stories so the user can see and interact with their own EEG brain patterns, heart rate, skin conductance, blood pressure, or other biomarkers. Healium immersive products, including Sleepium, are used worldwide by frontline healthcare workers, elite athletes, students, and the US military to self-manage anxiety, burnout, and downshift the nervous system before sleep or stressful events.  In 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium has been shown to have clinical benefit in as little as 4 minutes.  In a recently wrapped Mayo Clinic clinical trial, Healium showed significant reductions in state-trait anxiety in patients waiting for cardiac surgery.

Prior to this sole-source contract, Healium was selected by AFWERX for SBIRs to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now, Healium has started its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Each year, 800,000 people worldwide take their own lives. Anxiety is the cause of 60% of all illnesses and diseases, up to 50% of insomnia cases, and up to 90% of doctor visits. 

 “We’re delighted to empower more members of the US military and VA hospitals with Healium’s mental health solutions that are uniquely powered by quantitative data from the user’s own body”, says Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium, who founded the company after covering decades of trauma as a TV news reporter. “Of all of the dashboards Airmen monitor, Healium is a way for them to train their mental resilience with their own biometric EEG brainwave or heart rate data.”

About Healium
Healium is a media channel and patented technology that connects bio-data from consumer wearables to modify and recommend objects. Its products for anxiety and sleep allow users to learn to self-regulate their stress by giving them the ability to SEE their own EEG brain patterns or heart rate in real-time. In 9 peer-reviewed journals, Healium has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood in as little as four minutes.

 About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.  

 Company Press Contact:
Press Contact Name: Lydia Melton
Press Contact: Chief of Staff
Lydia@tryhealium.com

Sony Electronics Expands LED Display Family with Launch of Crystal LED CAPRI

The Company’s Latest Crystal LED Displays Make Virtual Production Even More Accessible

Sony Electronics Inc. is expanding its lineup of LED walls with the debut of Crystal LED CAPRI. The new CAPRI series achieves a maximum brightness of 1,500 cd/m2 with a 2.50mm LED pitch size. Key features include high refresh rates and brightness, a wide color gamut, and anti-reflection. Additional benefits include installation flexibility, familiar structure, streamlined maintenance, and compatibility with Sony’s ecosystem of virtual production technologies. The new models, ZRD-VS25FBand ZRD-VS25FM, are compatible with the Brompton controller and the Megapixel controller, respectively.

The CAPRI models are targeted to a broad range of customers looking to cost-effectively support virtual production applications, including television, feature films, commercials, and broadcast, as well as for rental and staging purposes. The CAPRI series offers options that ensure the high picture quality synonymous with Sony at a more accessible price. CAPRI also complements Sony’s premium flagship Crystal LED VERONA. Using the same controllers and featuring the same luminance as VERONA allows the CAPRI LED wall to be used together with the VERONA LED wall, for example, the VERONA as the main wall and the CAPRI on the ceiling. 

The CAPRI series is expected to be available this winter. A sample of the CAPRI will be on display June 11-13 at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando in Sony’s booth, 2001.

“With the announcement of CAPRI, Sony is furthering our commitment to the creation of Spatial Content, such as virtual production, by giving a wider range of users opportunities for flexibly showcasing images in high fidelity,” said Rich Ventura, Vice President, Professional Display Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’ve broadened our lineup to offer more cost-conscious choices, which expand the market in support of high-quality virtual production at every level and ensure the growth of Sony’s distinctive virtual production ecosystem.”

Impressive Picture Quality
Virtual productions rely on high quality imagery. The CAPRI series combines high refresh rates of up to 7,680Hz to reduce scanline artifacts and ensure smooth, fluid motion. With a high brightness of 1,500 cd/m2, complemented by coverage of over 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, the displays accurately reproduce lifelike images. Additionally, the new models feature anti-reflection capabilities to mitigate the impact of reflection from lighting equipment.

Easy Installation
The latest CAPRI series also takes advantage of recent installation advancements to ensure fast and efficient setup. Offering a 1:1 cabinet optimized for temporary installations, such as virtual production stages, the models can quickly and easily be assembled and dismantled using locating pins for simple alignment and a tool-free lever locking mechanism. 

Furthermore, the Crystal LED’s modular nature allows for it to be set up in varying sizes and configurations, including stacked, hung, curved, or oval installation, and features a strong frame for supporting additional weight. Edge protection plates and pin slides reduce damage and wear and tear on parts.

Industry Standard Control
Through alignment with Brompton’s Tessera SX40 and Megapixel’s HELIOS, the CAPRI models maintain control using the same familiar tools and interfaces already commonly deployed in the industry, alleviating the need for additional training and maximizing uptime.

Streamlined Maintenance
To keep virtual productions focused on the creative processes, the CAPRI has thoughtful features that simplify maintenance. LED module blocks can be changed from the rear and feature status indication lights for easily identifying which blocks need service.

Efficient Workflows
Sony is well-positioned in the virtual production space, providing customers with a connected ecosystem of solutions including cinema and pan-tilt-zoom cameras, a marker-free camera tracking system, LED walls, multi-camera live switching, remote production options, previsualization tools, mobile motion capture, and a virtual production tool set, which together contribute to workflow efficiencies.

As a part of Sony’s Virtual Production Tool Set, a compilation of resources to help improve pre-production and on-set workflows, the Color Calibrator ensures the visualized colors before the shoot match the colors that appear in dailies. In addition, the Camera and Display Plugin combines technical information on the cameras and LED pitch to aid in predicting and addressing aliasing during pre-visualization and on-set. Version 3.0 of the Virtual Production Tool Set, planned for fall 2025, will provide Off-axis color shift compensation capability exclusive to select Crystal LED series, including CAPRI, VERONA, and B-series. By using camera position information, this feature will correct color shifts due to curved or angled installation, in real-time, significantly reducing color correction and editing in post-production.

For more information, visit https://pro.sony/ue_US/products/led-video-walls/capri.