The University of Portsmouth has recently announced the opening of the Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR), the UK’s first purpose-built facility that brings together a whole suite of the very latest XR technologies under one roof to support innovation in virtual, augmented and extended realities (VR/AR/XR).
CCIXR offers XR training, research and development, and will help to address a critical skills shortage in the industry and, as well as support the creation of high-value jobs regionally, nationally and beyond.
The Centre will also work with businesses and organizations to improve understanding of and widen access to XR and its potential across a wide range of applications, from simulators, training tools and immersive visitor attractions, to the metaverse and art and performance.
According to the University, CCIXR experts have already worked with organizations including the Royal Navy and Royal Shakespeare Company, and have supported over 100 others with information and training in XR technologies through the Enabling XR Enterprise (eXRe) project, funded by the Government’s GBP £220m UK Community Renewal Fund.
The University partnered with industry-leading companies to ensure that CCIXR is equipped with the very latest XR technology – both now and in the future – across its facilities, which include:
- Motion Capture (MOCAP) Studio
- Smart Stage and full Virtual Production and Mixed Reality Studio
- Photogrammetry & Scanning Studio
- Volumetric Video Studio
- XR Studio
- Music Technology and Sound Studios (including Dolby Atmos)
- Projection Mapping
- Spatial Computing Lab
- Game Development
- Digital Coding Development Spaces
- Meeting & Conferencing Facilities
Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: “The University of Portsmouth is proud to have developed the CCIXR in collaboration with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership. This is a world-leading facility that places us at the forefront of innovation in virtual and extended reality, which will be at the heart of the next generation of digital technologies that will transform future work and leisure activities.”
Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, Professor Trevor Keeble, said: “CCIXR has been established to bring innovation, research, and development in the creative technologies of virtual, augmented and mixed reality to a range of different industrial and commercial sectors. Our well-established reputation for industry collaboration allows us to develop the creative application of cutting-edge digital innovation and the highly-skilled graduate workforce that our future economy will need.”
The GBP £7 million CCIXR was funded by investment from the University, as well as GPB £3.6 million from Solent LEP.
According to Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent LEP the creative sector is a significant contributor to both the local economy in Portsmouth, as well as the UK’s national economy. As CCIXR will focus on digital skills and technology, Randall expects that the centre will ensure the Solent region is at the heart of the immersive industry.
For more information on Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality, please click here.
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Image credit: University of Portsmouth / CCIXR
