Immersive Technology in Retail Innovation Open Call

Technologist Kevin Kelly noted that VR/AR/MR heralds a shift from information being the basic unit of consumer currency, to that of experiences. This represents a profound opportunity for companies developing immersive experiences to take advantage of this trend within a retail environment.

To help answer the call for standout retail experiences, Digital Catapult Centre Brighton and Redevco are looking for companies to become involved in Hanningtons Estate, a new retail destination that is currently being developed in the heart of ‘The Lanes’ in Brighton. It provides exciting new spaces for shops, restaurants and cafes and welcomes 8 million visitors annually.

Digital Catapult Centre Brighton and Redevco are looking for ideas, products and services that deliver inspiring shopping experiences to future visitors of the Hanningtons Estate, using virtual and augmented reality technology.

Applying companies should include start-ups, a consortium of technologist and creatives, or established companies who are willing to explore how their existing immersive products and services, or new ideas could be applied to a retail setting. This will provide us with a sense of the value shoppers will gain from the experience.

We are particularly interested in ideas that provide shoppers with:

• Fun and engaging ways to explore the Hanningtons Estate.
• Never before seen experiences linked to brands or the wider shopping area.

Why you should get involved?

If shortlisted, your company will gain access to: An innovation prize, insight and feedback from Redevco, innovation support from Digital Catapult Centre Brighton, access to Digital Catapult Centre Brighton’s immersive lab, as well as having your idea delivered into a live retail environment.

Who should apply?

We are looking for digital companies that utilise immersive technology (virtual/ augmented/ mixed reality) to deliver incredible customer facing experiences. We are interested in creative applications of immersive technology that delights and adds value to shoppers.

Additional detail

There is an innovation day on the 23rd November that is being held as part of this project. Further details can be found here.

Call to action

If you are interested in shaping the future of customer experiences and want to be considered for the retail innovation project, please complete this short application form.

Shortlisting of companies will occur before 31 December 2017.