London South Bank University has partnered with London College of Communication, UAL to launch a 3-month accelerator programme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) interested in using immersive technologies.

SMEs and start-ups based in London will have the opportunity to receive dedicated support from academics, consultants, and industry experts, exploring how immersive tech like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can help them expand their business operations and reach new audiences. The programme welcomes SMEs from any industry – from gaming, music and architecture, all the way to performance, media and fashion.

With the Spring-Summer cohort starting in April and finishing in July 2021, the entrepreneurs joining the programme will have access to:

• Expert-led training – interactive online workshops to learn all about the immersive tech landscape and existing opportunities to apply VR and AR across different areas and industries
• Innovation sprints – a virtual series of live webinars hosted by academics and technicians from London College of Communication where SMEs will get to practically tackle immersive tech issues within their area of business
• Product development – the final prototyping phase where entrepreneurs will get to receive expert advice on the development of their product or service.

Those interested in participating need to submit their applications before the 7th of March 2021.

Using immersive tech to grow your business during the pandemic

ACE IT, the initiative developed by LSBU and LCC under the umbrella of South Bank Innovation, has been designed to help small and medium businesses at any stage of their journey, from development and prototype to product launch. In a time where being virtually connected is more important than ever, SMEs have joined the programme to harness the power of immersive tech for their products and services, looking to continue growing their businesses during the pandemic.

Since its official launch in 2020, ACE IT has supported a whole range of London-based SMEs to successfully apply immersive solutions in innovative ways – from Alivein Tech developing an immersive music studio experience, to Digital Fashion Framework tackling the negative footprint of physical photoshoots, and Popla Media applying immersive storytelling in film and photography.

About ACE IT

Accelerating the Creative Economy through Immersive Technologies (ACE IT) is a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded project which offers non-financial R&D and innovation support to London SMEs interested in engaging with immersive technologies. ACE IT combines specialist innovation and business support with access to technical facilities and academic expertise for product, process and service development, as well as prototyping of, immersive technologies.

Apply: www.immersivetech.co.uk