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Digital Catapult and Seedcamp team up for equity free AR and VR accelerator

A programme aimed at developing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies from early-stage UK companies has been launched in a new partnership between Digital Catapult and Seedcamp.

The Augmentor accelerator, which has been officially launched today (Thursday), is inviting applications from companies working on immersive technologies, with successful applicants set to benefit from access to industry experts and collaboration opportunities with Digital Catapult’s wider network.

Based out of the innovation network’s Immersive Lab in London, the ten-week programme will give companies the chance to refine and develop their innovations in an area that Digital Catapult Chief Executive, Jeremy Silver, said is ‘fast becoming’ a central part of the UK’s digital economy.

Touching upon the potential for the UK to become a world-leader in the commercial and public applications of immersive technologies, Silver said: “The UK has a real opportunity to develop a world-leading industry around immersive technologies, building on our successes in the gaming and creative industries, but to do so we need to support the next wave of businesses that will lead the way in this field.

“Our Augmentor programme is designed to do just that. The potential for immersive technologies, particularly their application across industries such as digital manufacturing, digital health and care and the wider creative industries, is huge, and we plan to play a vital role in helping the UK realise this potential.”

The launch of the new accelerator programme comes days after Digital Catapult appointed VR expert and academic, Professor Mel Slater, as its new Immersive Fellow.

Dave Haynes, from Seedcamp’s investment team, added: “We’re still on the frontier of what immersive tech can do and what founders need. And European founders will need an investment of both time, expertise and money to succeed.

“That’s how Seedcamp has been helping startups for years now. Augmentor is the first program in London looking to bridge that gap for companies working with VR and AR.”

Interested businesses can apply now to take part in the programme with applications closing on 26 February at midnight.

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