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.
