Belfast Unveils Prototypes for Augment the City Initiative

Key Takeaways

Belfast City Council has launched the Augment the City competition to promote local SMEs.
The initiative focuses on utilizing immersive technologies to enhance visitor experiences.
Participants will explore innovative solutions that could redefine how visitors interact with the city.

Competition Overview

Belfast City Council is spearheading the Augment the City competition, aimed at empowering local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to experiment with immersive technologies. The initiative seeks to foster creativity and innovation in how the city’s visitor experiences are structured and delivered.

This competition invites SMEs to propose ideas that utilize emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). By integrating these technologies into visitor offerings, the council hopes to create more engaging and memorable experiences for those exploring Belfast. The goal is to discover new ways for technology to enrich storytelling, interaction, and engagement with the local culture and environment.

The Augment the City competition provides a platform for SMEs to showcase their innovative concepts. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to an expert panel, which is expected to include leaders from the tech and tourism sectors. Winning proposals may receive support in the form of funding, mentorship, and access to resources that will help in the development and implementation of their concepts.

The initiative aligns with Belfast’s broader vision of becoming a smart city, utilizing digital advancements to improve urban living and tourism. By investing in local talent and technology, the council aims to position the city as a forward-thinking destination that appeals to both tourists and potential investors.

Overall, the Augment the City competition is seen as a significant step towards harnessing technology to improve visitor engagement and to support the local economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.

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