The Higher Prana VR app is now available on the PICO XR Business Store!
A virtual reality experience uniquely designed through ambient and electro-acoustic soundscapes. Our VR meditation app uses carefully engineered spatial audio to guide you into deeper relaxation and heightened states of mindfulness, offering both beginner-friendly expert guidance and immersive 360-degree nature environments—complete with yoga mats for grounding.
Each session is expertly crafted with trauma-sensitive guidance to ensure a safe and personalized experience for all users. With Higher Prana VR, manage stress, improve pain management, optimize sleep, and enhance mental health outcomes.
VRdirect News: Boosting employee wellbeing through Virtual Reality
Generali Deutschland AG, one of the largest insurance groups in Germany, has partnered with VRdirect to create a Virtual Reality project aimed at promoting health and wellness in the workplace. The VR project features various health practices and can be accessed via VR headsets, smartphones, tablets and web browsers.
Read the full success story here!
This project is a great example of how Virtual Reality can be used for soft skill training and social matters.
Schedule a meeting if you would like to learn more about how VR can benefit your HR department!
VRdirect will be hosting two high-profile events in May together with Meta and the VR/AR Association. For additional information, please read further below!
Optimizing Customer Experiences Through Customer Call Analytics Platform
In today's fiercely competitive business landscape, the pursuit of superior customer experience has become paramount. Understanding and promptly addressing customer needs are critical not only for survival but also for thriving amidst intense competition. However, the sheer volume of customer interactions presents a daunting challenge, with crucial details often slipping through the cracks. To overcome this obstacle, our transformative customer call analytics platform, powered by advanced generative AI technology such as Chat GPT 4, provides a solution. By seamlessly extracting and analyzing content from customer calls, this platform ensures that no detail goes unnoticed, enabling businesses to stay attuned to customer requirements and maintain a competitive edge.
Built on cutting-edge AI capabilities, our platform offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to enhance customer interactions and streamline business processes. From tracking the status of customer issues to providing detailed customer profiles for personalized interactions, the platform empowers businesses to deliver exceptional service. Moreover, its ability to swiftly identify specific products or services discussed during calls enhances cross-selling and upselling opportunities, maximizing revenue potential. With sentiment analysis functionality, businesses can accurately gauge customer satisfaction levels and adapt strategies accordingly, fostering stronger client relationships and long-term loyalty.
By revolutionizing how businesses interact with customers, our platform delivers impactful outcomes that drive operational efficiency and elevate customer experiences. From ensuring no valuable information is lost during interactions to eliminating the need for multiple documents with centralized information, the platform enhances productivity and task management. With a deeper understanding of client requirements and efficient issue resolution, businesses can address customer needs effectively and proactively. Ultimately, our customer call analytics platform is not just a tool but a strategic asset that empowers businesses to make data-informed decisions and achieve unparalleled success in today's digital era.
Check here for the full article:
https://www.travancoreanalytics.com/case-study/customer-call-analytics-platform/
Website: https://www.travancoreanalytics.com/
Follow us on Linkedin for latest updates:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/travancore-analytics/
Virtual Reality Job Training for Continued Education
From VRARA Member Oberon.
As the energy industry evolves, securing qualified talent to maintain efficient operations despite structural-demographic issues continues to be a challenge for employers. While jobs across the industry continue to grow, they also continue to outpace the qualified labor available to support them. In addition to this inverse demand and supply relationship, the retirement of the industry’s most experienced class of employees presents challenges in ensuring the preservation of their historical knowledge as efficiently as possible.
According to the World Energy Employment Report, global energy employment rose to 67 million in 2022, an increase of 3.5 million from pre-pandemic levels. According to a proprietary survey carried out by the International Energy Agency, around 36% of these jobs are in high-skilled occupations, compared with about 27% for the wider economy. As these challenges continue to grow, many companies have opted to retrain workers for higher-demand positions and increase flexibility. This begs the question; can legacy training methods sustain this level of need and be efficient enough to close the gap? In most cases, the answer is no. Many leading organizations are following the lead of innovative manufacturers and retailers by turning to virtual reality training solutions. Virtual reality training solutions like those offered by Oberon Technologies® capture tribal knowledge and use it to create a fully immersive virtual experience that provides an innovative way to reskill, upskill and train employees with maximum efficiency.
Training Challenges in the Energy Sector
For the oil and gas sector, reskilling and upskilling new employees continues to be a major cost burden. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, for all industries, the cost of training a new employee independent of industry is estimated at approximately $4,125. Oil and gas employers see significantly higher costs as roles often involve working in higher- risk environments like extreme weather conditions, with heavy machinery, at great heights, with high voltage equipment, at increased risk for exhaustion and fatigue, as well as fire and explosion and more.
While much of the cost of job training comes from time spent, there are other, less obvious costs like those associated with utilizing inefficient methods that result in labor turnover, damaged equipment, injury training and the need for re-training. This is especially true for highly technical roles and advanced skill training. Being that more experienced employees would often be utilized if using conventional training methods, the cost of their high-value time is an additional consideration.
In addition to those risks and challenges, many skilled energy workers will also need re-certification throughout their careers. The cost of that continued education as well as the value of their time spent is an additional point of concern for employers.
Virtual Reality Training VS. Legacy Training Techniques
A 2020 PWC study shows that employees completed VR programs four times faster than in-person training and 1.5 times faster than e-learning. In addition, VR training results in learning retention rates of up to 80% one year after training, compared to 20% just one week after traditional training.
In addition to efficiency and knowledge retention, virtual reality methods allow employers to evaluate a trainees’ ability to perform tasks in a very specific, and often high-risk, environment. Knowing their capabilities before they are put into a real-world situation allows for quicker recognition of any knowledge gaps and the reduction of critical errors, often caused by lack of experience. By increasing the efficacy of training, the odds of costly human error and safety and environmental hazards are greatly reduced. The advantages of VR training include:
Locational Awareness: VR provides opportunities for trainees to acquaint themselves with a work environment before they ever set foot inside it, providing a level of familiarity when on the job work begins, without the assumption of risk.
Knowledge Transfer: Given the skills gap that the industry is facing, VR can help bridge the generation gap by documenting the historical knowledge of the most experienced generation of employees. In addition to knowledge conservation, VR is an enticing recruiting tool for employers to utilize in attracting top talent.
Recording and Playback: In the moment feedback is crucial to training success. Because the training takes place in a digital environment, each session can be recorded and replayed for analysis and feedback, which helps trainees learn from their mistakes, while trainers can evaluate performance in a way that directly reflects the work Analytics can be run against the captured data to identify trends and areas needing more attention.
Hazardous Scenario Simulation: VR allows trainers to introduce simulations into the training that could be impractical or dangerous for a trainee. VR provides important hands-on experience without the risk and costs associated with real-world learning. Thus, workers can be exposed to a wider range of learning situations, and training can be adapted to unique risk factors.
Unlimited Use: Once a VR environment has been created, it can be used and reused on an almost limitless basis, greatly extending the potential for training and knowledge acquisition, while at the same time reducing the time and cost of off-site training.
Enhanced Proficiency Training: VR allows technicians to undertake proficiency training just prior to entering a work site, with details that match the actual environment they will be working in.
Improved Engagement: VR fully engages the senses, preventing an employee from being distracted by outside influences and thus maximizing learning engagement and retention.
Examples and Typical Use Cases
VR Increases knowledge retention, the safety of front-line workers and speeds up the training process by having personnel well trained and prepared for an emergency. For example, in a recent partnership with GTI Energy, a leading non- profit research and training organization focused on energy transition solutions, Oberon Technologies created a module designed to prepare trainees to “make safe” the scene of an emergency to ensure the protection of life and property, while collaborating with emergency response teams.
The module uses a fully immersive virtual reality training course, integrated into overall training to increase engagement and improve overall retention by 80% or more. Scenarios address performing emergency operations, as defined by the emergency response plan and in compliance with federal regulations. The VR courses further allow for trainees and instructors to interact in the same virtual environment enabling virtual, hands-on training.
Additional Use Case Scenarios Include:
New employee onboarding
Re-certification courses
Facility and working environment familiarization
Equipment location and identification
Emotional evaluation (testing for fear of heights, claustrophobia, motion sickness, etc.)
Standard operating procedures
Advanced skills training
Hazard identification
Inspection procedures
Maintenance procedures
Emergency response procedures
Safety and compliance training
Skills and environment screening
Recap of 1 Billion Humans in AI & XR
Doug Hohulin hosted our online session and had Dr. Harvey Castro MD give a presentation.
The meeting discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) in healthcare, emphasizing the benefits of combining AI for intelligence processes with XR for immersive visuals to enhance learning and potentially gamify experiences. The conversation also touched on the potential of AI to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce medical errors. Doug Hohulin shared insights on AI and XR integration in healthcare, focusing on responsible AI, automated connected vehicles, and healthcare solutions to reduce medical errors. The discussion also covered the impact of generative AI on efficiency gains, time savings, and its projected contribution to the world GDP in the next five years. Additionally, there was exploration on how AI can complement healthcare services, reduce clinician burnout, provide second opinions, and assist in patient care management. The meeting also delved into leveraging AI in healthcare for quality care, addressing the aging population, reducing deaths significantly, and helping in areas like traffic deaths and medical errors. Furthermore, the conversation included the use of AI in medical diagnosis, the role of AI in medicine, reinforced learning in healthcare, integration of augmented reality in healthcare, resistance to AI in medicine, integration of AI in medical practice, improving healthcare diagnosis and technology adoption, integration of AI in mental health care, and the integration of wearables and AI in healthcare. Lastly, there was a discussion on venture investing in healthcare technology startups, emphasizing the importance of domain knowledge, managing risks, dealing with regulatory bodies like the FDA, and the support needed for successful companies.
Topics & Highlights
1. Integration of AI and XR in Healthcare
The discussion highlighted the benefits of combining AI and XR in healthcare to create a more immersive and effective learning experience, emphasizing the potential for gamification to enhance learning and exploration.
2. Impact of Generative AI on Efficiency and GDP
efficiency gains and time savings from using generative AI, citing examples from studies by Salesforce and Boston Consulting. Accenture's projection of generative AI's impact on world GDP was also mentioned.
Further discussion on the potential growth of generative AI usage, its impact on various sectors like healthcare, and the projection of a billion people using immersive devices in the metaverse.
3. Role of AI in Healthcare and Patient Treatment
potential of AI in healthcare, addressing issues like clinician burnout, patient treatment, second opinions, and AI's role in complementing healthcare services.
4. Utilizing AI in Healthcare for Quality Care and Wellness Improvement
potential of using AI in healthcare to improve quality care, reduce deaths significantly, and address challenges like traffic deaths and medical errors.
5. AI Applications in Medical Diagnosis
AI assisted in diagnosing Tethered Cord Syndrome after multiple misdiagnoses, highlighting the potential of AI in medical diagnosis.
6. Role of AI in Medicine
Discussion on the advancements in AI for medical applications, including predictive analytics and the transition from evidence-based medicine to intelligence-based medicine.
7. Reinforced Learning in Healthcare
importance of reinforced learning in healthcare, the need for specific language models, and the potential applications of bots and AI in personalized patient care.
Further discussion on medical training using VR technology for anatomy learning, procedures, and simulations in healthcare.
8. Integration of Augmented Reality in Healthcare
benefits of using AR glasses in healthcare, such as accessing patient data, visualizing medical images, educating patients, and enhancing workflow. He mentions the cost of the Apple Vision Pro and its impact on different healthcare departments.
experiences with AI technologies like ChatGPT-4 and its applications in healthcare, including diagnosing medical conditions, analyzing images, creating podcasts, and improving efficiency.
9. Integration of AI in Healthcare
concerns about the resistance from doctors towards adopting AI in healthcare due to fears of obsolescence, changes in processes, and compensation issues.
importance of gradual education and implementation of AI in healthcare to address doctors' concerns and ensure a positive reception, emphasizing the need for experts like himself to guide and educate healthcare professionals.
10. Resistance to AI in Medicine
The participants discussed the challenges of convincing doctors to accept AI due to pride, competition, and territorial behavior. Harvey shared experiences of making doctors feel dumb to eventually gain their respect. Doug mentioned patients' fear of AI similar to vaccine hesitancy.
11. Integration of AI in Medical Practice
The participants emphasized the importance of making the best first opinion in patient care. They discussed the potential motivators for integrating AI in medical practice, including improved diagnostics and mitigating medical practice insurance risks.
12. Improving Healthcare Diagnosis and Technology Adoption
concerns about misdiagnosis by doctors, the slow adoption of technology in healthcare, and the potential risks of over-reliance on AI in patient care.
Discussion on the potential risks of excessive reliance on AI in mental health care, highlighting the importance of human-to-human connections and the need for a human in the loop to prevent adverse outcomes.
Discussion on the importance of maintaining a balance between AI and human interaction in mental health care, emphasizing the need for human oversight in AI-driven patient interactions.
13. Integration of AI in Mental Health Care
concerns about patients relying on AI like Dr. Google and Dr. ChatGPT for medical advice, highlighting the importance of proper medical training and supervision.
Agreement that AI tools should supplement, not replace, human medical care.
14. Integration of Wearables and AI in Healthcare
Discussion on the significance of HIPAA compliance for healthcare apps and the use of on-device AI for enhanced security and user comfort.
VRARA London: VR Storytelling, and Guided Visit to IBC Accelerators Media Innovation Programme
We are here to keep you up to date on upcoming events and news for VRARA members and partners. If you have something to share contact us at londonmarketing@thevrara.com.
In this edition we have VR storytelling at the Open City Documentary Festival. We also have a guided visit to the 2024 IBC Accelerators Media Innovation Programme kick-off event.
Losing Home: Expanded Realities at Open City Documentary Festival
Celebrating the art of non-fiction, Open City Documentary Festival aims to challenge and expand the idea of documentary in all its forms.
Losing Home will feature work by five artists ranging in form from interactive VR and mixed reality experiences to video games and multiple-channel video which all address ways in which we can become alienated from spaces which once felt familiar, be they the cities we live in, the relationships we are part of or the bodies we live in. The exhibition will include the first UK presentation of new work by artists Aay Liparoto, Patricia Echeverria Liras and Ben Joseph Andrews & Emma Roberts and will also include a new version of Alice Bucknell’s The Alluvials alongside the London premiere of Nick Smith’s We Were Both Wrong.
The exhibition’s private view will take place on Thursday 25 April between 4:30-7pm and will then be open from 12-7pm on Friday 26 – Monday 29 April. The exhibition is free and no booking is required – it is located in Rich Mix, the festival’s hub in Shoreditch.
You can read more about the exhibition here.
IBC Accelerators Media Innovation Programme
The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) held the kick-off day for their 2024 Accelerator programme last month.
Muki Kulhan, Innovation Lead, IBC Accelerators Media Innovation Programme, gave us this introduction to this exciting and productive initiative in the media technology sector:
“Over the last five years, the IBC Accelerators Media Innovation Programme has provided a really amazing R&D sandbox for new and progressive, emerging media projects exploring new workflows, tools and techniques in XR and Game Engine led creative production. This year will be more ambitious than ever before, with XR, VR, AR and AI-led initiatives becoming truly a part of creative productions in our media, entertainment and broadcasting industries. I can’t wait to see what happens this year and we promise to keep the VRARA community updated as the projects progress!”
You can get a taste of the day in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx5inTAEOhE and read about the selected challenges here: https://show.ibc.org/accelerators-2024-challenges We plan to follow the progress of the programme throughout the year.
Do you have a story to share?
If you have a story to contribute for the VRARA London Chapter newsletter, contact John Dowsland at londonmarketing@thevrara.com.
John has many years of experience in content management & distribution for film, music and corporate communications, and currently works in calibration technology. In 2018 he joined the board of Cinema Technology Community CIC, and he has been involved in the VRARA since 2022.
Thanks for reading! Click here to Get in touch
Nachi Stern Appointed as VRARA Israel Chapter President
We are thrilled to welcome Nachi Stern as the VRARA Israel Chapter President!
Nachi Stern is an art enthusiast who combines his passion for the creative with his “day-job” in tech. As Founder and CEO of a startup (currently in stealth mode), he is developing an AR/VR framework for museums to offer custom tailored guiding experience.
I'm excited to bring the VR/AR Association to one of the leading Tech hotspots in the world. Israel is home to between 70 to 80 VR/AR startups, with numerous other initiatives in related spaces. The leaders in VR/AR ( Apple, Meta and Magic Leap) have significant R&D in Israel drawing on a pool of talent on par with Silicon Valley. As chapter president is Israel, I plan to connect local innovators with each other and with other members throughout the world. - Nachi Stern
You can reach Nachi at israel@thevrara.com.
Recap of our session on HACVAT and VPAT 508 compliance for VR/AR applications
Peter Oykhman hosted our Healthcare online session and gave a presentation on a very important topic, "HACVAT and 508 VPAT challenges for the XR industry". Our conversation is shedding light on this difficult question.
The meeting discussed the 508 compliance issue and VPAT 508 compliance, emphasizing the challenges faced by software vendors in meeting the requirements set by the US government. Concerns were raised about the impact of non-compliance on vendors working with government entities and the need for a consistent message among software vendors. The conversation also touched on compliance measures related to mobile devices, highlighting the challenges in meeting standards and the importance of data protection and security, especially in sectors like healthcare. A decision was made to focus on making applications compliant with hearing impaired users, while acknowledging the challenges in achieving full compliance for visually impaired users. Additionally, there was a discussion on the need for regulation changes to address technology accessibility issues for visually impaired individuals, with plans to collaborate with associations and vendors to find solutions. Next steps include sending a letter to bring together stakeholders and offering to include interested individuals in a collaboration group to work towards resolving technology accessibility challenges.
Topics & Highlights:
508 Compliance Issue and VPAT 508 Compliance
concerns about the 508 compliance issue and VPAT 508 compliance, emphasizing the challenges faced by software vendors in meeting the requirements set by the US government. He discussed the implications for various organizations, including government entities, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofits, and the military, and highlighted the need for clarity and compliance with the regulations.
508 Compliance and Government Regulations
concerns about the challenges of 508 compliance, the impact of non-compliance on vendors working with government entities, and the need for a consistent message among software vendors.
Discussion on Compliance Measures and Accessibility
Participants expressed concerns about the challenges in meeting compliance measures at 100% and the importance of data protection and security, especially in sectors like healthcare. They discussed the difficulties faced by manufacturers in achieving full compliance and the role of IT departments in assessing the impact of compliance criteria on their organizations.
A decision was made to focus on making applications compliant with hearing impaired users by implementing features like closed captioning, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech. However, it was acknowledged that achieving full compliance, especially for visually impaired users, presents challenges that may not be fully addressed.
Oberon Technologies® Reports 53% Titania® Software Growth in FY 2023
Ann Arbor, MI, Feb 19, 2024 – Oberon Technologies®, Inc., a leading provider of innovative extended reality (XR) training and information delivery technologies, today reported financial results for the 2023 fiscal year which ended December 31, 2023. The company reported a 53% growth in Titania® software revenue when compared to fiscal year 2022, continuing strong SaaS growth.
Oberon continues to invest in building its ecosystem by adding staff with new and advanced skills and partners in key technology and market areas. “With both the customer base and product portfolio growing, it’s critical to add key resources to maintain our 100% project success track record and continue to delight clients by completing projects on-time and on budget,” says Joe Jenkins, VP of Partnerships and Business Development. Titania® Delivery Platform provides enterprise critical information to our clients’ consumers, both internal and external. Making information readily accessible and available to all who need it results in increased employee and customer satisfaction.
Continuous improvement is a tenet of Oberon’s growth. Adding high quality staff is just one way to improve the products, offerings and performance of the entire team. Oberon grew staff by 20% and partnerships by 50% in 2023. Reinvesting in the organization was a focus in 2023, with positive results on both bottom line and productivity gains. Oberon continues to focus on helping its client advance to the next levels in their digital transformation journey leveraging the latest technology and best practices. Oberon’s expert solution architects are able to meet clients where they are on their digital transformation journey and help them move forward, plan for the future and identify all the resources they need to succeed.
ECS receives SBIR award to further haptics development for warfighter training
Orlando, Florida – April 16, 2024.—Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) recently received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) for its Advanced Haptics Development project. ECS Chief Technology Officer, Shane Taber, will be the principal investigator.
In this two-year project, the first year will focus on creating a microlearning modular content library of haptic scenarios using intervention levels to train students in procedures involving escharotomy, needle chest decompression, combat application tourniquets, airway management, blood sweep, and care under fire. ECS’ efforts will modularize various scenarios into a library of content packs that students and instructors can access at a point of need. The second year will aim to incorporate the new HaptX G1 mobile edition glove unit into development.
“Our ECS team has been incorporating haptics technology into our projects for several years now in order to provide more realistic and more memorable training so that our warfighters can receive the best emergency care,” said Waymon Armstrong, ECS’ founder and CEO. “We’re proud to support the Army in their efforts to improve the readiness of medical personnel serving in harm’s way and to save more lives.”
ECS’ plan will ultimately use networked, collaborative multiplayer features to allow combat medics and combat life savers to train and work together using haptics in a virtual reality environment. This application will provide options to have instructors and observers watch students during training. Instructors will also be able to interact in scenarios to assist students in learning different procedures, which will improve teleteaching and telementoring opportunities.
Students typically execute the training procedures listed above via different applications, but soon they will be in one location, which will provide easier access. Once ECS integrates the new version of the HaptX G1 system, students will gain improved mobility and ease of use, particularly when training for larger-scale scenarios. The multiplayer features and multirole scenarios that ECS will further develop with its SBIR award will also expand the applicable audience for training and improve commercialization value for dual-use applications, such as civilian training markets. Mayo Clinic Jacksonville who will provide subject matter support and user testing.
About ECS
ECS is an award-winning global training and technology solutions company, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with operations in Huntsville, Alabama, and San Antonio, Texas. An industry innovator with a vast portfolio of training programs, ECS is a trusted provider of training, maintaining and sustaining military service members, frontline workers, and commercial clients around the world. http://www.ecsorl.com/
Navigating the Legal Landscape of the Metaverse: Insights for Corporate Counsel
VRARA Chicago member Dalton Hughes discusses the new legal framework of the Metaverse in an article he co-authored with Andrew Avsec for Crowell & Moring titled "A Walk Through The Metaverse for Corporate Counsel".
The article describes the metaverse as more than just a digital playground; it's a burgeoning arena where real-world laws intersect with virtual experiences. From IP issues to novel employment law challenges, the implications for in-house counsel are profound.
As brands like Decentraland and Horizon Worlds develop immersive worlds, the need for comprehensive legal strategies grows. Whether addressing IP infringements, reorganizing HR departments, or navigating international laws, the metaverse presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges.
In-house counsel must proactively draft policies that reflect the dual realities of virtual and physical worlds. Understanding these intersections will be crucial as companies expand their digital footprints.
For a deeper dive into how legal professionals can navigate this new frontier, check out Dalton's article and the full white paper he co-edited with Preetha Chakrabarti titled "Retail in the Metaverse and Beyond" at https://hubs.la/Q02tbj5W0
For more insights on the legal challenges and opportunities associated with the Metaverse, or how to become a member of VRARA Chicago, DM us or send an email to ed@thevrara.com.
Recap of our meeting with US Army on Navigating Defense Procurement for XR
We had an excellent online session with a US Army representative hosted by Lynn Welch with 40 academics and professionals.
Navigating Defense Procurement: VR/AR Acquisition, Requirements, and Contracting Process
Insightful session delving into the intricate world of defense procurement specifically tailored for virtual reality acquisitions. In this session, we explored the unique challenges and opportunities associated with procuring virtual reality technologies for defense applications. From defining precise requirements to navigating the complex contracting process, this session will provide invaluable guidance for industry professionals, government officials, and technology enthusiasts alike.
Participants received insights into the defense procurement landscape, offering practical strategies for effectively identifying, evaluating, and acquiring virtual reality solutions. Through real-world case studies and best practices, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the key considerations involved in every stage of the procurement lifecycle.
Recap of our Grants as a Growth Strategy session
We had an excellent online session with Ashley Pereira hosted by Carlos Ochoa with 60 academics and professionals.
Ashley is specialized in helping K-12 STEM and CTE education change makers turn their vision into validated success. With a deep-rooted passion and proven track record in advancing STEM education, I've led pioneering learning experiences since 2008, positively impacting nearly 4 million learners. My expertise lies in leveraging synergies between people and systems to not only prove but enhance the impact of STEM, career readiness, and immersive tech through grant funding and program evaluation. Bringing a commitment to excellence and mind-blowing efficiency, my specialized package offerings are delivered with swift, actionable insights, enabling your organization to quickly prove and promote the power of your program or product.
Each year millions of dollars in grant funding are awarded for education programs. In this presentation Ashley Pereira, Founder & CEO of Greater Good Consultants LLC, will share inside tips on how to find grant funding and utilize it within your growth strategy - for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations! Learn the basics of grants, the best FREE grant research databases to find opportunities, and how to screen leads to identify the best fits.
The meeting covered various topics, starting with the VR/AR Association Education Committee's focus on producing a white paper about exercise in education to offer insights to newcomers, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and equity. Ashley Pereira shared insights on grants and funding, highlighting the importance of grants for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with a focus on the US but globally applicable practices. The discussion also delved into identifying funding sources, grant research, and screening processes, emphasizing the need to target local areas for increased success rates. Ashley provided tips on grant writing and evaluation plans, while discussions on finding partners for grant applications and challenges in securing funding were also addressed. The meeting touched on the Erasmus project training program, challenges in education-industry collaboration, and the VR education market, highlighting the importance of collaboration, content creation, and immersive learning experiences. Lastly, insights on federal grants were shared, with a decision not to recommend pursuing them for early-stage organizations due to complexity and time commitment.
Topics & Highlights
1. Discussion on VR AR Association Education Committee
importance of producing an index with insights to help new generations in VR AR education.
concept of ICE (Innovation, Collaboration, Equity) as key focus areas for the committee.
importance of the white paper about exercise in education, recording sessions, and the growth of the VR AR Association Education Committee.
2. Discussion on Grants and Funding
grant discussion applies to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with a focus on the United States but with globally applicable practices.
the concept of grants as free money, typically awarded to non-profit organizations, but also discusses how for-profit companies can utilize grants as a sales and marketing tool.
3. Identifying Funding Sources and Grants
various types of funders, such as corporate foundations, private foundations, public foundations, and associations. She emphasized the importance of aligning criteria with funders' criteria to increase the chances of success in grant applications.
4. Finding Grants and Funding Opportunities
importance of knowing what to ask for when seeking grants, whether for general operating expenses or specific programs. She highlighted the use of free databases to find suitable funding opportunities.
5. Grant Funding Database Demo
demo of using a free grant funding database to search for funding opportunities for educational projects, highlighting the availability of federal, private foundation, and national grants.
benefits and limitations of free grant databases, mentioning higher competition due to ease of access and the recommendation to consider paid software for more targeted searches.
funding needs for the project involving a virtual reality experience of being embodied in Rosa Parks, discussing the historical empathy and implicit racial bias reduction goals.
6. Grant Research and Screening Process
importance of targeting local areas for funding requests to improve success rates.
7. Grant Writing Tips and Evaluation Plans
significance of research, tailored requests, and robust evaluation plans in grant writing to enhance the chances of success.
8. Finding Grants for Educational Programming Worldwide
paid database Instrumental as a comprehensive option for finding grants worldwide, highlighting its robust features and high cost.
sharing the expense of the paid database among a group of organizations, with examples of successful collaboration shared by participants.
concerns about the complexity of grant processes in Europe, emphasizing the challenges in creating consortia and the lack of focus on real market impact.
9. Finding Partners for Grant Applications
advice on finding partners for grant applications, emphasizing the importance of networking, chambers of commerce, and university connections.
10. Challenges in Securing Funding
concerns about the need to align grant funding with real market benefits to avoid wasting money and effort. He highlighted the trend of companies disappearing within a few years due to lack of customers despite receiving grants.
detailed information on different types of funding available in the European Commission, including the Horizon Project, Erasmus, and indirect projects promoting regional collaboration. He mentioned specific grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and the competitive nature of securing such funding.
11. Erasmus Project Training Program
history of an Erasmus project aimed at training teachers in vocational training and universities on XR and VR technology due to the gap in skills in the industry.
concerns about the lack of dissemination and sharing of experiences from the project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge.
12. Challenges in Education Sector and Industry Collaboration
concern about the gap between industry needs and education sector trust, highlighting the wasted time and money in training experts. Ashley agrees, emphasizing the importance of funding to bridge the gap and the need for program evaluation to prove impact.
challenges in the education sector and industry collaboration, mentioning the lack of understanding in using technology, the variety of available technologies with different price points, and the need for software developers and investors to support educational initiatives.
13. Challenges in VR Education Market
saturation of the market with equipment, high price points for VR education software, and the disconnect between selling workforce solutions and actual affordability.
lack of interest in VR solutions in education, citing the example of receiving grants and funding but minimal response from schools due to the perceived nature of the problem as a 'first world problem.'
challenges in education, including internet connectivity issues in rural areas, lack of device access for VR solutions, and the political and money-driven nature of the education sector.
14. Collaboration in Education
highlights the significance of collaboration in education, pointing out that individual efforts may not effectively address the overarching problems, and stresses the importance of working together despite financial constraints.
Multiple speakers discuss the value of content over technology in education, sharing experiences from past projects and emphasizing the need to focus on content creation and collaboration.
15. Virtual Reality in Education
Carlos mentioned the use of 360 videos from National Geographic in Iceland to understand the value of preserving the environment and emphasized the simplicity of VR experiences using minimal devices.
The discussion touched upon the challenges of creating digital content for VR, the need for standardized platforms for content creation, and the potential for immersive learning experiences to enhance education.
goal of bringing VR to education and training, highlighting the importance of developing strong content to drive adoption and make a positive impact.
16. Discussion on Federal Grants
concerns about pursuing federal grants, seeking advice from Ashley on whether it's worth pursuing for early-stage organizations without prior grant experience.
decision not to recommend pursuing federal grants due to the extensive time commitment and complexity involved, suggesting a different approach of starting small and building partnerships before approaching funders.
Arbor XR Saves UPS Training Time and Labor Costs with VR
Innovative training programs are fueled by cutting-edge technology. UPS, a veteran in the logistics arena, has consistently implemented smarter operational strategies. They have always embraced new technology in training and operations when it can save time and money while making the experience of their employees better. Mark Gröb, Head of Immersive Technology at UPS, has helped drive VR technology to be a key part of training across the organization.
Since integrating virtual reality (VR), UPS has seen the following results:
75% Reduction
75% reduction in training time, decreasing from 8 hours of traditional mentor-led training to just 2 hours.
No Loss in Effectiveness
No loss in training effectiveness despite the shorter duration.
UPS’ successful VR program wouldn’t have been possible without someone like Mark solving a core issue: how each device would be managed and maintained across locations all over the US.
UPS’ successful VR program wouldn’t have been possible without someone like Mark solving a core issue: how each device would be managed and maintained across locations all over the US.
Is it better to manually manage headsets? Shipping them back and forth between locations for every update, managing inventory in excel sheets, and having no visibility of what was happening in the headset was not a good option for UPS.
This wasn’t a decision Mark took lightly—he knew that the Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform they chose would go a long way to assist in making their VR programs scalable, reliable, and impactful.
After considering all their options, Mark opted for external support, which meant evaluating all the MDM providers out there. From his personal experience, the traditional MDMs he evaluated were either expensive or didn’t offer enough support for extended reality (XR) devices. Fortunately, he found VRARA member ArborXR, which allowed him to test out VR MDM without such a huge upfront financial commitment.
Recap of our Enterprise meeting with Morgan Stanley, Microsoft MVP
We had a good online session hosted by Cindy Mallory with Morgan Stanley and Microsoft MVP and 30 executives.
The meeting focused on crafting inclusive futures through leadership, enterprise leadership, and open source ideals, with insights shared on the evolution of VR, AR, and immersive tech in the enterprise sector. Concerns were raised about challenges in implementing immersive tech in the enterprise finance sector due to industry conservatism and regulatory constraints. The influence of open source on immersive tech adoption and development, security and privacy concerns in enterprise settings, emerging trends in VR and AR for large companies, and the impact of spatial computing and immersive tech on traditional industries were also discussed. Leadership qualities for driving innovation in immersive tech, trends in immersive technologies, and the role of Asian philosophy in enterprise adaptability were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of practical involvement and strategic surprise announcements.
Topics & Highlights
1. Discussion on Crafting Inclusive Futures through Leadership and Open Source Ideals
topic of crafting inclusive futures through leadership, enterprise leadership, and open source ideals.
evolution of VR, AR, and immersive tech within the enterprise sector, comparing it to the early stages of mobile phone technology.
2. Impact of Immersive Tech in Enterprise Finance Sector
challenges of implementing immersive tech in the enterprise finance sector due to the conservative nature of the industry, average age of participants, and regulatory constraints.
3. Influence of Open Source on Immersive Tech at Enterprise Scale
challenges faced by enterprise companies, especially in the financial sector, due to heavy regulations when adopting open source technologies for immersive tech.
4. Security and Privacy in Enterprise Settings for Immersive Technologies
challenges of security and privacy in enterprise settings for immersive technologies, emphasizing the importance of running everything locally on-premise to ensure security and privacy. Mention of avoiding cloud rendering solutions and focusing on vendors who can run in a local data center.
5. Emerging Trends in VR and AR for Large Companies
Discussion on the evolution of VR and AR technologies, including trends towards lighter devices, contact lens-based headsets, and retina modifications. Mention of challenges related to battery life in VR and AR devices.
Conversation about the importance of battery technology in VR and AR devices, with a mention of a startup pitching a solution for batteries that extend longevity.
6. Spatial Computing and Immersive Tech
technologies like VR, AR, and spatial computing are already transforming businesses, with examples of immersive experiences in shop windows and the potential for interactive digital environments.
evolution of design in technology, from mimicking the real world to neuromorphic design, and the future potential of spatial computing to offer unique experiences beyond reality.
insights from his experience at Morgan Stanley, emphasizing the importance of starting with small projects in VR and AR to build knowledge and experience within the enterprise.
7. Leadership Qualities for Driving Innovation in Immersive Tech
need for leaders in immersive tech to be brave, hands-on, and willing to engage with the technology, highlighting the importance of practical involvement in development and management.
8. Trends in Immersive Technologies and Open Source Communities
potential convergence of quantum technology with immersive tech, emphasizing the importance of advancements in quantum chips for smaller, energy-efficient devices. He also highlights the contributions of open source communities like MRTK and the Open Metaverse Foundation in standardizing technologies and addressing legal challenges.
9. Asian Philosophy in Enterprise
Asian philosophy Dokeshi no Michi, focusing on concealment, misdirection, and leveraging surprise for adaptability and agility in enterprises. He also mentions Apple's secrecy as part of their competitive strategy.
importance of being able to make surprise announcements like Apple does, as a special competitive advantage in strategy.
Fireside Chat with VRARA Global Ambassador Director Ariane Fikki
Join us on April 18th, for a Virtual World Society Fireside Chat with Ariane Fikki, the dynamic new Director of the Global Ambassador Program at VR/AR Association (VRARA). Celebrate Ariane’s pioneering leadership as she steers innovative initiatives to boost global connectivity and spark innovation across the XR community.
With her profound passion for XR technologies and her commitment to connecting changemakers and technologists, Ariane aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of visionaries. The program under her guidance seeks to empower VRARA members to engage deeply with global chapters and initiatives, further driving VR/AR advancements on a global scale. Don't miss out on the insights from a leader who is dedicated to expanding the influence and impact of VR/AR technologies worldwide.
Email your questions for Ariane to ariane@thevrara.com and learn more about the Global Ambassador Program at VRARA.
VRdirect News: Revolutionizing Safety Training with VR Templates
VRdirect is excited to introduce the latest innovation: immersive VR templates designed to revolutionize how companies approach Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) training. Lockout-Tagout is a safety procedure commonly used in industrial and research settings to ensure dangerous machinery is properly shut down.
This hands-on learning experience allows employees to virtually engage with the real-life training procedures and will help to improve work safety.
Enterprises can use this training off-the-shelf or decide to adjust the training to their specific needs. All with very limited effort. VRdirect will offer more standardized training sessions soon.
Schedule a meeting if you are interested in our VR templates!
If you want to learn more watch our video and check this blog article.
Case study: Nestlé's journey towards meeting safety goals and reducing costs
Nestlé wanted to improve training efficacy across different business areas, tapping into the benefits of VR to solve different business challenges. Discover how Nestlé rolled out a global VR safety training from VRARA member immerse to 400 factories worldwide, which boosted employee knowledge retention and training efficacy, saved costs and improved safety outcomes.
“I truly believe that experiential learning is the future. This is where it starts. With the standalone VR assets, our life becomes easier, as we have all the tools to create, scale, measure, and roll out the training globally. These VR applications will play a key role in the future of immersive VR training at Nestlé.”
Jeremy Moussai, Global IT Innovation Manager – XR Lead
