Growth Program

Virtual and augmented reality are gaining momentum in arts, sciences and business. However, these technologies could be implemented even better in various businesses and operation models in both the public and private sectors. The goal of the Virtual Reality Hubs project was to strengthen the Finnish virtual and augmented reality business environment and bolster Finland’s position as global front-runners of immersive technology development.

In this project, Demos Helsinki collaborated with the Finnish Virtual Reality Association (FIVR) to create space for unique new business models, cooperation and partnerships between small and large businesses as well as boosts the overall quality and sustenance of the local VR and AR startup ecosystem.

Virtual Reality Hubs consisted of several month-long mini-projects which united micro and small VR/AR solution provider startups with medium and large client businesses. Every mini-project had its individual participants, goals and purposes, which were tailored according to the clients needs and wishes. The end results were test cases of immersive technology incorporated into a specific business needs: Software prototypes or content studies for example. Find examples of the mini-projects below.

Virtual Reality Hubs was funded by European Social Fund (Euroopan Sosiaalirahasto), and facilitated and designed by FIVR and Demos Helsinki. It was part of the European Union Social Fund’s “Kestävää Kasvua ja työtä 2014–2020” -program.

The project was successfully concluded in 2019.