About the event

Join the launch of the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network‘s Regional Hubs Quarterly Showcase, a new national online series bringing together immersive technology communities from across the UK.

The Regional Hub Programme is being piloted to strengthen regional immersive technology ecosystems through local partnerships, community-led activity, and cross-sector collaboration. Built on a “network of networks” model, the programme connects regional hubs into a national community, creating new opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration and innovation.

This inaugural showcase will spotlight activity from emerging Regional Hubs, highlighting local innovation, community initiatives, success stories and opportunities for collaboration across the UK.

What to expect

This event forms part of the national support for the Regional Hubs, helping to amplify regional activity, encourage knowledge exchange and build stronger connections between immersive technology communities nationwide.

Attendees can expect:

• updates from regional hubs across the UK
• regional success stories and innovation highlights
• cross-sector collaboration opportunities
• insights into local immersive technology ecosystems
• opportunities to connect with organisations, researchers, businesses and ecosystem leaders
• discussion of future community activities and areas for collaboration

About the Regional Hub Programme

The Regional Hub Programme is a new initiative from the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network, designed to activate immersive technology ecosystems through regional partnerships. Each hub brings together organisations from industry, academia and the public sector to deliver community events, share knowledge and support regional innovation activity. The programme’s vision is to create a connected UK-wide immersive technology ecosystem where every region has a voice, visibility and pathway for collaboration.

Who should attend?

This event is open to:

• immersive technology companies and startups
• universities and research organisations
• creative industries organisations
• innovators across manufacturing, healthcare, AEC or any industrial sector using immersive technologies or interested in exploring uses
• local authorities and public sector organisations
• investors, innovation support organisations and ecosystem builders
• international immersive tech professionals interested in working with UK innovators
• anyone interested in growing the UK’s immersive technology sector

Why attend?

The benefits of attending include:

• discover innovative immersive technology activity taking place across the UK
• gain visibility of emerging regional opportunities
• build connections beyond your local ecosystem
• learn from successful regional initiatives and partnerships
• explore potential collaborations across sectors and regions

Speakers

Kent

Amy Chao: Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect
Esteban Lecoq: Co-Artistic Director, AΦE & A+E Lab

Scotland

Dr Florian Weidner: Lecturer in HCI and XR, University of Glasgow

Northern Ireland

Deepa Mann-Kler: CEO, Neon & Director Belfast XR Festival
Michael Weir: CEO, RENDR Festival

West Yorkshire

Phil Adlam: CTO, Production Park
Nat Edwards: Director General & Master of the Armouries, Royal Armouries