INTRODUCTION
AR/VR Startups: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) startups create immersive
experiences and applications in fields like gaming, training, education, and entertainment.
Step into the dynamic world of UK’s AR and VR startups, where reality blends with innovation.
These startups are crafting immersive experiences that redefine entertainment, education, and
more. Through the fusion of digital and physical, they’re rewriting the rules of engagement
across industries like gaming, healthcare, and marketing.
These startups are pioneers, transforming passive observation into active participation. They’re
architects of virtual worlds that enhance our reality, and their impact spans from training
simulations to captivating marketing campaigns. The UK’s AR and VR scene is a hub of
creativity, where visionary founders shape the future of human interaction and engagement.
Some successful Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) startups in the UK:
1.Magic Leap:
- Overview: Magic Leap is a technology company focused on creating spatial computing
and mixed reality experiences through its AR headset. - Achievements: Known for its innovative AR technology and immersive experiences.
- Origin: Founded by Rony Abovitz in the USA, with offices in the UK.
- Website: magicleap.com
2.Improbable:
- Overview: Improbable builds spatial simulation technology that enables virtual worlds and
simulations for various applications, including gaming and real-world scenarios. - Achievements: Developed technology that allows massive-scale simulations with real-
world applications. - Origin: Founded by Herman Narula and Rob Whitehead.
- Website: improbable.io
3.WaveOptics:
- Overview: WaveOptics specializes in AR display technology, providing essential
components for AR wearables and devices. - Achievements: Developed waveguide display technology that enhances AR visual
experiences. - Origin: Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey.
- Website: waveoptics.com
4.Zappar:
- Overview: Zappar offers AR and VR content creation tools, enabling businesses to create
interactive and engaging experiences. - Achievements: Empowers brands and businesses to incorporate AR/VR into their
marketing strategies. - Origin: Founded by Caspar Thykier and Connell Gauld.
- Website: zappar.com
5.Digital Catapult:
- Overview: Digital Catapult is an innovation center that supports startups in the areas of
AR, VR, and immersive technologies. - Achievements: Provides resources, funding, and networking opportunities for startups in
the immersive technology sector. - Origin: Supported by the UK government and various industry partners.
- Website: digicatapult.org.uk
6.REWIND:
- Overview: REWIND is an immersive content studio that specializes in creating VR and
AR experiences for various industries, including entertainment and marketing. - Achievements: Created award-winning VR and AR content for global brands and
entertainment companies. - Origin: Founded by Sol Rogers.
- Website: rewind.co
7.Gravity Sketch:
- Overview: Gravity Sketch offers a 3D design platform in VR, enabling users to create
digital models and designs using intuitive gestures. - Achievements: Revolutionized the design process by providing an immersive and
intuitive 3D creation tool. - Origin: Founded by Oluwaseyi Sosanya and Daniela Paredes Fuentes.
- Website: gravitysketch.com
8.Admix:
- Overview: Admix is an AR and VR advertising platform that allows brands to place
interactive and immersive ads in virtual experiences and games. - Achievements: Pioneering the integration of advertising in virtual environments.
- Origin: Founded by Samuel Huber.
- Website: admix.in
9.VirtTrade:
- Overview: VirtTrade specializes in creating branded and collectible digital products and
experiences using AR technology. - Achievements: Developed AR experiences for popular brands and properties.
- Origin: Founded by Andy Wiseman and Matt Litherland.
- Website: virttrade.com
10.Masters of Pie:
- Overview: Masters of Pie focuses on collaborative AR and VR solutions for enterprises
to enhance teamwork and communication. - Achievements: Developed collaborative platforms that allow teams to work together in
immersive environments. - Origin: Founded by Karl Maddix and Dave Williams.
- Website: mastersofpie.com
11.Ubimax:
- Overview: Ubimax provides wearable computing solutions for industrial use cases,
including AR-powered smart glasses for tasks such as logistics and maintenance. - Achievements: Pioneered industrial wearables and AR solutions for enhancing
workforce productivity. - Origin: Founded by Hendrik Witt and Percy Stocker.
- Website: ubimax.com
12.Adlens:
- Overview: Adlens specializes in adjustable focus eyewear using fluid-injected lens
technology, offering customizable eyewear experiences. - Achievements: Developed innovative adjustable eyewear solutions for various vision
needs. - Origin: Founded by James Chen and Joshua Silver.
- Website: adlens.com
13.Virti:
- Overview: Virti is an immersive learning platform that uses AR and VR to enhance
training and education for various industries. - Achievements: Utilizes immersive technology to improve learning outcomes and skill
development. - Origin: Founded by Dr. Alex Young and Dr. Sanjay Singh.
- Website: virti.com
14.Scape Technologies:
- Overview: Scape Technologies focuses on building a visual positioning service (VPS)
platform that allows devices to understand and interact with the physical world using AR. - Achievements: Developed advanced VPS technology for location-based AR
experiences. - Origin: Founded by Edward Miller and Huub Heijnen.
- Website: scape.io
15.3D Repo:
- Overview: 3D Repo provides cloud-based BIM (Building Information Modeling) solutions
for the construction and infrastructure industries, including AR and VR collaboration tools. - Achievements: Revolutionized collaborative BIM processes through immersive
technologies. - Origin: Founded by Jozef Doboš.
- Website: 3drepo.com
16.Reality Zero One:
- Overview: Reality Zero One is a creative agency specializing in AR and VR experiences
for marketing, branding, and events. - Achievements: Created interactive and engaging AR/VR campaigns for various clients.
- Origin: Founded by Matt Neill.
- Website: realityzeroone.co.uk
17.Poplar Studio:
- Overview: Poplar Studio is an AR creative platform that connects brands with AR
creators to design and implement immersive marketing campaigns. - Achievements: Facilitates the creation of AR campaigns for brands to engage with their
audiences. - Origin: Founded by David Ripert.
- Website: poplar.studio
18.Arilyn:
- Overview: Arilyn is an AR platform that enables brands and businesses to create
interactive and immersive AR experiences for marketing and engagement. - Achievements: Empowers brands to leverage AR technology for customer interactions.
- Origin: Founded by Emil Alpo Salmi and Tuomo Kokkola.
- Website: arilyn.com
19.Condense Reality:
- Overview: Condense Reality is developing technology to create lifelike volumetric VR
content for virtual experiences and storytelling. - Achievements: Innovating in the field of volumetric VR content creation.
- Origin: Founded by Philip Day.
- Website: condensereality.com
20.Ncam Technologies:
- Overview: Ncam Technologies provides real-time augmented reality solutions for
broadcasting, film production, and live events. - Achievements: Developed technology for real-time camera tracking and augmented
reality integration in video production. - Origin: Founded by Nic Hatch.
- Website: ncam-tech.com
These AR/VR startups in the UK are pushing the boundaries of technology and transforming
industries ranging from entertainment and education to marketing and enterprise applications.
Through their innovative solutions, they are reshaping how we perceive
FAQS
- What are AR and VR startups?
AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) startups are companies that leverage these
immersive technologies to create innovative products, platforms, and experiences for various
industries. - How do AR and VR technologies differ?
AR overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing what we see, while VR immerses
users in entirely virtual environments, often requiring specialized hardware. - What industries do AR/VR startups impact? AR/VR startups influence a wide range of sectors, including entertainment, gaming, education, healthcare, marketing, architecture, and training.
- What makes AR/VR startups in the UK unique?
UK-based startups bring their own creative flair and technological expertise to the AR/VR
landscape, contributing to global advancements. - What types of solutions do these startups offer?
AR/VR startups offer diverse solutions such as immersive gaming experiences, virtual training
simulations, interactive marketing campaigns, architectural visualization, and more. - How are AR/VR startups shaping consumer experiences?
These startups create engaging, interactive, and realistic experiences that enhance user
engagement, learning, and entertainment. - Are these startups only focused on entertainment?
No, AR/VR startups impact multiple sectors. They improve training processes, enable virtual
collaboration, aid in medical procedures, and enhance design and architecture, among other
applications. - What role do founders and entrepreneurs play in this field?
Founders and entrepreneurs lead the way by envisioning, creating, and implementing
innovative AR/VR solutions that address industry needs and consumer demands. - How can people get involved with AR/VR startups?
Individuals interested in AR/VR can explore job opportunities, invest, collaborate on projects,
attend conferences, or even create their own startups in the field. - What is the future outlook for AR/VR startups?
The future is promising, with ongoing advancements in hardware, software, and content
creation, leading to more sophisticated and immersive AR/VR experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landscape of AR/VR startups in the UK represents a journey of innovation
and limitless potential. These startups have harnessed the capabilities of augmented and virtual
reality to create ground breaking solutions across various industries. Their impact extends
beyond technological advancement, influencing how we engage with both digital and physical
realms.
Through pioneering platforms, software, and hardware solutions, these startups have
revolutionized communication, education, and entertainment. Their contributions are evident in
sectors ranging from advertising to healthcare, where AR and VR enhance engagement and
efficiency.
The founders of these startups have displayed a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries.
Their work not only transforms industries but also serves as inspiration for future innovators,
encouraging them to explore the untapped opportunities of AR and VR.
As these startups continue to innovate and collaborate, the future promises even more
immersive and captivating experiences that will reshape industries and redefine reality itself.