A new virtual reality hub is to be opened by Birmingham City University following an investment £3.4m.
The new hub, based at the STEAMhouse facility in Digbeth, is hoped to increase the area’s economic growth and create new jobs.
The new capital, raised by the European Structural and Investment Funds, Birmingham City University and Eastside Projects, will be spent on mixed reality equipment and computing hardware and software.
The hub will provide access to the new mixed, augmented and virtual reality and hopes to support business innovation through a programme of business support.
“We opened STEAMhouse to provide a space and a platform for businesses to collaborate with artists and academics, to drive innovation and new business ideas,” said Prof Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor at Birmingham City University.
“This funding will allow us to provide a new wave of state-of-the-art equipment which will have a major impact on how businesses work in the future and the creation of new industries.
“Incorporating artistry and creativity alongside science and tech disciplines can be a major driving force not just in transforming how a concept goes from design to market, but also the real world difference it will make to users.
“Technology like virtual reality, augmented reality, 5G and digital design will pave the way for the business of the future and now is the time for us to look at how we can harness this for the benefit of the economy.”