Technology
AUGMENTED WORLD EXPO RELEASES AWESOME NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM DAY ONE OF AWE USA 2024
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2 years agoon
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XR and Spatial Computing News from Niantic, Sightful, Zappar, Microsoft, XREAL, Hololight and More
LONG BEACH, Calif., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today is the opening day of Augmented World Expo USA 2024 – the longest running and largest event focused on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (XR). More than 6,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors and 575 speakers will convene to celebrate the 15th anniversary of AWE and share the latest XR and spatial computing innovations. To assist journalists in tracking the many announcements being made, here are highlights of today’s planned announcements.
Press passes for the event are still available – visit this link to request one. Attendees can buy tickets to AWE USA 2024 here.
Niantic will introduce Niantic Studio: a new visual interface for Niantic 8th Wall developers that offers an entirely new way to build immersive 3D and XR experiences. Traditionally, building web-based XR and 3D experiences has been a code-intensive process with little visual feedback. But with Niantic Studio, now in public beta, developers have a visual interface that makes everything you create accessible and visible in real time. Assets here. Contact: gchiemingo@nianticlabs.com
Sightful, creators of Spacetop, the world’s first Augmented Reality laptop, is dedicated to transforming the world around us for the work from anywhere movement. Spacetop represents the next generation in personal computing, and serves as a bridge between the legacy of personal computing and the promise of mixed reality by merging the laptop’s daily utility with the world-expanding capabilities of Augmented Reality. Assets here. Contact: kevin@begood.pr
Zappar will be announcing its universal WebXR support across hardware and software solutions at AWE USA 2024. This includes its no-code and low-code tooling, Zapworks Designer and Mattercraft, as well as its affordable, smartphone-powered mixed reality headset, Zapbox. Zappar firmly believes that the web is the best place for short-form immersive 3D experiences, and these new releases give designers and developers unrivaled flexibility and affordability. Assets here. Contact: ellie@wearedelphi.com
Microsoft will announce auto-generated avatars, an AI-powered solution that makes avatar creation more efficient and more accurate. AI algorithms will analyze the visual features in submitted photos to predict the best possible matches for your face shape, hair, eyewear, and facial hair. These matches are combined to create three avatar options. It will also be announcing improvements to its Mesh in Teams experience, including avatar emotes, a new immersive space tailored for workshops, Mac access and more. Assets here. Contact: cynthia.reynaud@microsoft.com
XREAL will unveil XREAL Beam Pro, a new Android mobile device bringing Google Play Store’s apps to 3D space. As the ultimate companion device for XREAL glasses, XREAL Beam Pro gives users a simple way to access all their favorite apps, social media content, streaming entertainment, professional needs, and gaming platforms in a stunning 3D-aware AR environment, all powered by a Snapdragon® platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Android 14. Assets here. Contact: ralph.jodice@xreal.com
Hololight will introduce Hololight Hub, an enterprise-grade, centralized app management platform for hosting, streaming, and scaling all AR/VR applications. Using the web-based platform, enterprises can manage XR applications including a catalog of industrial-grade XR applications from Arthur, Frontline, Matsuko, Taqtile and Uptale. Users can seamlessly access and stream the various XR applications through the Hololight Hub interface installed on the AR/VR devices, benefiting from the performance and security provided by Hololight’s streaming technology. Assets here. Contact: t.fruehauf@holo-light.com
Infinite Rabbit Holes creates immersive, elevated, and personal story-driven experiences that bring people together. While guided by accessibility and group play, Infinite Rabbit Holes pushes the boundaries of gaming, catapulting players into stories like never before and empowering them to be active participants in shaping their experiences across both digital and physical game worlds.Assets here. Contact: jbonds@motivpr.com
Sony will announce alignment between its Spatial Reality Display and echo3D for 3D digital asset management as well as a case study featuring UC San Diego which has deployed Sony’s XR technologies including the glasses-free 3D Spatial Reality Display and mocopi for portable motion capture. Assets here. Contact: allison.mandara@sony.com
Campfire will announce upcoming support for Apple Vision Pro following growth in its customer base of more than fifty times (50X) since supporting Meta Quest 3. Campfire revolutionizes virtual collaboration for the physical economy. Instead of traveling and shipping equipment for meetings, distributed teams can collaborate using digital 3D models of physical products, equipment, and environments as if sitting around them. Assets here. Contact: beth@handollpr.com
Wilkins Avenue AR unveils the first ever immersive musical in spatial computing: “Out There”, available on Apple Vision Pro and starring Emmy-nominated Vanessa Williams, at AWE USA 2024. “Out There” represents the largest-scale augmented reality (Spatial Computing) experience ever showcased on a single site. It leverages Spatial Audio and groundbreaking visuals. This immersive musical seamlessly blends real and virtual worlds into an unforgettable spectacle where narrative, music, and cutting-edge technology converge to define the future of immersive fiction. Assets here. Contact lauren@wilkins-avenue.com
Freeaim Technologies announces it raises £250K to boost R&D and scale production ahead of VR Shoes developer release. Freeaim VR Shoes is a unique wearable technology that uses full body control to enable VR users to walk infinite distances in any direction, while keeping the user safely inside a small area. Assets here. Contact: joe@blackunicornpr.com
Doublepoint’s WowMouse AR enhances users’ experience on Magic Leap 2, debuts at AWE USA 2024 as the first wrist-worn gesture control for augmented reality. This latest WowMouse update transforms Android smartwatches into powerful AR gestural input devices that enhance users’ experiences with Magic Leap 2. Assets here. Contact: kristina@messnermediagroup.com
NTT QONOQ Group, a group of NTT DOCOMO, INC., will be exhibiting glasses-type XR devices and service content at the Qualcomm Technologies Inc. booth at AWE USA 2024. The device is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon® AR2 Gen 1 Platform chipset and is compatible with Snapdragon Spaces platform. You can experience this device through a variety of content, including QONOQ ‘s service content, the corporate remote support service “NTT XR Real Support.” Assets here. Contact: info-qonoq-devices@ml.nttqonoq.com
dropVRdirect has received a patent for the Virtual Reality eXchange Format, or VRXF, and will present it at AWE USA 2024. This new format will change the use of Virtual Reality (VR) at the enterprise level and ensure cross-platform compatibility, seamless hardware integration and increased efficiency. Assets here. Contact: carsten.lackner@VRdirect.com
HaptX begins North American shipments of HaptX Gloves G1™, world’s most realistic touch feedback system. The only haptic glove with hundreds of air-powered actuators, G1 has generated tens of millions of dollars of pre-orders from customers eager to leverage realistic touch for workforce training. Assets here. Contact: linda.jacobson@haptx.com
STYLY will introduce a groundbreaking concept as a spatial computing platform for sustainable urban development. STYLY aims to be the core of sustainable city infrastructure, enhancing urban living with advanced XR technology. STYLY is Vision Pro compatible, and the STYLY Spatial Computing Lab (SSCL) has launched in Japan. Assets here, Contact: misa@styly.inc
StrikerVR will announce a new platform and game integrations for the Mavrik-Pro, Virtual Reality’s most advanced haptic peripheral, and showcase its first MR experience with the blaster and the Meta Quest 3 as well as showcasing its vision for the future of eSports entertainment. Assets here. Contact: hello@strikervr.com
FundamentalVR will announce groundbreaking advancements in its Fundamental Surgery platform, integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to drive predictive insights, enhance surgical proficiency, and accelerate skills acquisition. This significant milestone allows the company to leverage data to drive valuable insights for customers, fostering advancements in surgical training and beyond. The company will showcase the advanced AI capabilities for the first time at AWE USA 2024. Assets here. Contact: alessandra@lobeline.com
Tap Systems will unveil a significantly updated version of its TapXR wrist-worn controller. The new TapXR supports advanced multi-finger gestures, delivering a more fluid, immersive and intuitive way to navigate, scroll, select, drag, drop, and activate content in both spatial and standard computing environments – without sacrificing precision or comfort. In addition, Tap Systems will launch a comprehensive SDK, enabling developers to integrate the multi-finger gestures directly into their applications. Assets here. Contact: virginia@tapwithus.com
Niloom.ai will announce its beta launch today. Niloom.ai, the only comprehensive “Prompt to AR/VR” content creation platform is an end-to-end, browser-based, no-code solution that harnesses Generative AI to create and instantly publish sophisticated spatial computing (AR / VR) content across all devices (iPhone, Android, Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest). Niloom.ai is software and hardware agnostic and integrates over 100 key features into one platform and consolidates the entire creative process, from ideation, to creation, live collaboration, editing, prototyping and publishing at a fraction of the time and cost. Assets here. Contact: niloomai@illumepr.com
TrainingLab is launching a MVP of TrainingLab. Conference attendees can practice speaking with AI avatars in VR to strengthen their communication skills. TrainingLab provides immersive training for employees to practice their communication skills with AI avatars in VR. Assets here. Contact: sibyl@traininglab.ai
ZAUBAR will demonstrate its Space Travel App which offers a unique experience for conference visitors. By scanning a QR code on a marker, attendees can make virtual streets appear in the real world, guiding them to various locations within the venue. It also will offer its Time Travel App. Visitors can take selfies at the ZAUBAR booth, where generative AI processes them to produce stunning cyberpunk-themed images. Assets here. Contact: eko@zaubar.com
3lbXR will announce the launch of GroKit Core Development Platform. Also, Grokit gets a new update. Grokit: Twilight Echoes, the fourth content update for the multiplayer mixed reality, hand-tracking party game. The first DLC for Grokit: Cancer Blaster, will be released on September 1st 2024, in partnership with Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Assets here. Contact: contact@3lbgames.com
RP1 will showcase a prototype of its browser designed specifically for navigating the metaverse, providing a seamless and immersive experience. The system allows multiple applications to coexist in a virtual immersive environment spanning across all devices, including AR and VR. RP1 is also releasing a whitepaper detailing open standards and protocols that will shape the future of the spatial internet. Assets here. Contact: nassau@rp1.com
MotionMix will be available for hands-on demonstrations for the first time, accessible to all and exclusively at AWE USA 2024! MotionMix is a Spatial Analytics Platform that records user sessions and generates 3D Space Heat Maps for Gaming, AR/VR & mixed-reality apps. Assets here Contact: vinay@motionmix.ai
MASA (Metaverse Acceleration and Sustainability Association) will announce three new initiatives – Metaverse4Science, Decentralized Artificial General Intelligence (dAGI) and Metaverse4Kids. MASA is the world’s first and largest international consortium for metaverse technology research and application promotion. Assets here. Contact: y.yuan@DrYuYuan.org
Benvision is launching the Binaural Experience Navigator, as an open beta for iOS. Benvision is an assistive technology company that makes buildings and venues more accessible for the visually impaired with a unique music-based approach. The company is also launching its pilot program for tourism, museums, hotels, and amusement parks, and other large spaces like universities, hospitals, and airports. Assets here. Contact: patrick@ben.vision
Higher Prana VR, a VR meditation app, will be available in kiosk mode through Arbor XR for both Pico and Meta devices. The app features ambient and electro-acoustic soundscapes and beginner friendly grounding and expert mindfulness guidance. It also offers multi modal, spatial sound quality, immersive 360 nature environments and a yoga mat for physical grounding. Assets here. Contact: radhika@higherprana.com
Octonic will be offering selected attendees a sneak peak of its new product, instructor-led classes which combine stunning photorealistic visuals, great music, and best-in-class instructors for workout adventures. Octonic XR software wirelessly connects mobile headsets with fitness machines, allowing users to safely and comfortably exercise with friends in realistic XR worlds, without leaving their home or gym. Assets here. Contact: nahiyan@octonicvr.com
ForgeFX will be showcasing a new demo for the first time at AWE USA 2024, which features an Advanced Laser Screed® Machine that users interact with to become familiar with controls and maintenance techniques. ForgeFX develops high-quality custom interactive 3D simulation and visualization software products for clients across a wide array of industries. Assets here. Contact: kristen.cox@forgefx.com
InterDigital and Philips will jointly demonstrate their immersive technologies and contributions to video standards that enable the rendering and delivery of volumetric video experiences. The partners will apply their innovations to deliver live and recorded volumetric video for streamed sport and eSport experiences. Assets here. Contact: roya.stephens@interdigital.com
Big Rock Creative, the creators of BRCvr (an official virtual Burning Man experience), in collaboration with Burning Man Project, the nonprofit in service to the global Burning Man cultural movement, today announced virtual access to Burning Man Project’s signature Black Rock City gathering. Held annually in Northern Nevada, Black Rock City convenes approximately 80,000 people from around the world – now, global participants will be able to engage with each other in real time and dive into the richness of Burning Man culture in a virtual Black Rock City experience, 365-days a year. As a result, BRCvr will be accepting applications from those interested in participating in the Alpha Phase of the soon-to-be-unveiled BRCvr app, BurnerSphere, starting June 18 to coincide with the start of Augmented World Expo 2024. Assets here. Contact: athena@bigrockxr.com
HouseCall VR will announce two significant collaborative research and development agreements with the Veterans Affairs (VA) and with the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Pharmacy. These partnerships mark critical milestones in its mission to develop and refine its revolutionary virtual reality patient education platform. HouseCall VR’s groundbreaking platform is dedicated to improving patient education. The proprietary software application, designed for use on XR headsets within clinical settings, empowers patients by making complex health information accessible and engaging. Assets here. Contact: linda.ciavarelli@housecallvr.com
Dreamspace will announce an upcoming panel moderated by C. Sean Yuksel, Executive Creative Director and Partner, at AWE 2024. This groundbreaking session, titled “RACING BEYOND LIMITS: THE NEXT LAP IN XR” will explore the future of motorsports through the lens of XR technology. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 2:55 PM (PDT) in the Grand Ballroom on the Main Stage at AWE 2024, this session is a captivating exploration of how XR transforms the racing world. Assets here. Contact: ayca@dreamspace.co
Fantail Games will unveil its debut title: Game Night at AWE USA 2024. This party game blends arcade action, social deduction, and mixed reality minigame mayhem! Chase each other around the room through a series of riotously fun minigames. In VR, players are immersed in virtual locations and roleplay, whereas in MR the action comes to you making it feel very real, visceral and instinctive. Assets here. Contact: steven@fantailgames.com
Dark Arts Software will unveil and share its bleeding edge game, LET’S DANCE. Dance hand-in-hand with incredible AI/ML powered virtual dance partners. Learn the basics of SALSA, SWING, LINE DANCING from judgment free virtual instructors or play story mode and progress through ever more spectacular venues on your journey to the top. Assets here. Contact: patrick.ascolese@darkartssoftware.com
Techtoy Studio will unveil the first ever public showing of Meli – a mixed reality rhythm game where classical music meets magical wizardry – at AWE USA 2024. With awesome hand-tracking and mixed reality magic, you can wield your wand and watch as your living room transforms into an extravaganza of lights, colors and sound. Assets here. Contact: media@techtoy.studio
VoxelSensors and OQmented announce the advancement of their commercial partnership to bring groundbreaking 3D perception systems to market for XR, mobile, and other applications. VoxelSensors’ PERCEPT enhances wearables and mobile devices with empathic abilities to understand user attention and intent, delivering an augmented reality experience that feels natural. Assets here. Contact: press@voxelsensors.com.
Draw & Code is revealing FanPort at AWE USA 2024. FanPort combines a large LED screen or projected display with AR glasses to allow ‘holographic’ content to travel through portals between the world beyond the screen and the audience’s physical space. Some experiences will allow guests to reach ‘into’ the screen and bring content into the experience space and vice-versa. Games technology also allows networking between guests to create further social and collaborative moments. Assets here. Contact: phil@drawandcode.com
OneBonsai will announce its new Digital Patient platform, which will enhance the skills of medical professionals and students, reduce medical errors, and improve patient outcomes. The platform offers a comprehensive and customizable learning experience, simulating patients of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and medical histories, and unparalleled flexibility, enabling trainees to access modules anytime, anywhere, using any device, including tablets or VR headsets. Assets here. Contact: evarest@onebonsai.com
Designium Inc. in partnership with Takaratomy Inc., will launch “Beyblade XR Project α Ver.” at AWE USA 2024. XR revives the Gen 1 BEYBLADE after 25 years! The “textures” are created by a high-precision 3D scanning system, the “sounds” are recorded from the real thing, and the “movements” are created by physically-based animations – accurately reproducing the authentic BEYBLADE experience of that time. Assets here. Contact: mary_chin@designium.jp
ManoMotion will announce its collaboration with DigiLens and that ManoMotion is supporting the ARGO glasses with its hand interaction technologies. Its solution, the HT-A (Hand Tracking Applicator), is a patented and award winning software for hand interaction solutions that is both platform and application agnostic. Assets here. Contact: sales@manomotion.com
XRAI will launch the XRAI AR One. These state-of-the-art smart glasses meet the needs of the global deaf and hard-of-hearing community, offering unparalleled accessibility and transforming the way people experience conversations. Featuring an ultra-lightweight and wireless design and driven by the latest advancements in AI, the glasses empower users with the ability to see real-time captions in over 140+ languages, right in front of their eyes. Assets here. Contact: hello@xrai.glass
Immersix will launch its Evaluation Kit (EVK) for its retinal eye tracking system, IMERT. This advanced system offers unparalleled gaze-tracking accuracy across all physiologies without the need for recalibration. Immersix offers the first commercial eye tracking using retinal imaging. This methodology along with fine-tuned algorithms, delivers superior eye tracking that works with all populations resulting in outstanding eye tracking performance. Assets here Contact: info@immersix.com
Wevr will announce a $3.5 Million Investment from HTC and Epic Games as Wevr expands its Virtual Studio technology and real-time 3D production capabilities. As a pioneer XR studio developing state of the art immersive experiences for the last decade, Wevr is now poised to lead the evolution of spatial content creation and service brands worldwide. Assets here. Contact: amanda@wevr.com
TechViz will announce a broad commitment to support devices based Qualcomm’s Spadragon Spaces. Its unique technology makes it possible to display any 3D model in AR/VR directly from its native application without data conversion and connect any number of local or remote participants to the same virtual scene. TechViz will also demo its immersive teleconferencing solution, currently only available in Japan, as a first in the US. Assets here. Contact: tserrurier@techviz.net
VRDemons – Be one of us, share your fear on AWE USA 2024. Risk your sanity, facing the social demons in this VR experience. Collect the pieces and fill the void among us. Assets: here Contact: pam@vrdemons.com
palan, Inc. palan, Inc. provides palanAR, a no code AR creation platform that enables anyone to create their own AR. Our service is used across education, tourism, entertainment and event industries and has 10,000 users with a total of 29,000 ARs created. We also provide design and development service for WebAR, VR, website and SaaS products. Assets here. Contact: sasaki@palan.co.jp
Mawari is showcasing its decentralized 3D & XR content delivery platform that breaks the bottlenecks of infrastructure supply for real-time rendering, and the lack of local compute power on XR Devices. It does this by orchestrating a decentralized network of GPU-powered nodes that run the Mawari Engine, a proprietary technology stack that allows to render interactive 3D content and stream it efficiently in real-time to mobile XR devices at scale. Assets here. Contact: s.parnicky@mawari.co.jp
Cassette Group, a Microsoft Mesh Technology Adoption Program (TAP) partner, is launching a new specialist division dedicated to supporting the enterprise roll-out of Microsoft Mesh. The Cassette Group creates learning and education solutions for enterprise clients using VR, 3D content, and spatial computing and has worked closely with Microsoft Mesh to develop solutions to enhance employee engagement. Assets here. Contact: jack@fiveinaboat.com
Ultraleap will showcase its recently announced Ultraleap Hyperion – the next generation of its tracking platform. Ultraleap Hyperion is the ultimate computer vision platform revolutionizing the world of HMI. No more one-size fits all solutions – Ultraleap Hyperion gives users access to a variety of tracking models and modes to give them the control to create a reliable, flexible solution that meets their unique needs. Assets here. Contact: tessa.urlwin@ultraleap.com
Starport is showcasing prototypes of its 3D light streaming stations, which can transform pixels into solid light forms existing outside the screen in the real world. It will also demonstrate several services that will launch with the stations. Starport is building a trans-dimensional 3D communication network to enrich digital communication and make it true-to-life. Assets here. Contact: contact@starport.co
tagSpace will launch its Spatial Web3 platform and native crypto token. tagSpace makes it possible to create, share and monetize beautiful MR experiences that are “always on” and customized for each user – no code required. tagSpace is helping fans at music festivals and sports stadiums find their way around, giving tourists a better way to explore cities and providing brands with new immersive engagement channels. Assets here. Contact: hello@tagspace.com
PlaybookXR, a leader in collaborative 3D design tooling, will announce Spatially Consistent AI Rendering. This state-of-the-art rendering pipeline creates a consistent animated render maintaining camera perspective, lighting, motion, etc. This will lower the floor and raise the ceiling for AI animation. Current 3D artists can augment their workflows with rapid look dev and the ability to explore latent space, and net-new creators can start bringing their ideas to life. Assets here. Contact: jd@playbookxr.com
XReality launches its Spatial Design Book and XReality Podcast. XReality Pro was established in 2019 as a community-based educational platform dedicated to providing accessible XR (AR/VR) educational content on a global scale. Assets here. Contact: info@xrealityacademy.com
Treedis will launch and demonstrate its advanced IoT dashboard on its platform. This new feature provides seamless access to a range of powerful integrations, with a particular emphasis on the AWS IoT Twinmaker. Its IoT dashboard empowers users with enhanced connectivity and control, streamlining the management of IoT devices and data right within their digital twins. Assets here. Contact: aiden@treedis.com
DigiLens, a leading nanotechnology innovator in waveguide display technologies and XR smartglasses, will announce ARGO™, one of the first all-in-one true AR smartglasses, is powered by Google’s Gemini models. Leveraging Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and built on the advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon™ XR2 Platform, ARGO™ integrated with Google’s Gemini models will redefine the future of work. Assets here. Contact: jacqueline.nguyen@digilens.com
Onirix will announce Onirix Spatial AR – the only Visual Positioning System (VPS) on the market that offers an instant experience (no app downloads) with full indoor and outdoor accuracy on both Android (AR Core) and iOS (AR Kit) devices. Onirix will demonstrate live how Onirix Spatial AR works, and two new features of this technology that have not yet made public will be unveiled: localization areas and the occlusion mesh. Assets here. Contact: ines.cibrian@onirix.com
Varjo will offer a technology preview of Teleport, highlighting the service’s capability to quickly generate photorealistic 3D capture scans of real-world environments directly from an iPhone and allow users to view these scenes from a variety of devices, including PCs, VR headsets, and more. Using Teleport by Varjo, anybody can create a high-resolution 3D model of their environment without any previous expertise. Assets here. Contact: press@varjo.com
Almalence will announce a VST Super-Resolution solution enabling high image quality for see-through cameras. It will demonstrate how its solution boosts a low-end Qualcomm reference design VST camera image quality to the level above that of Apple Vision Pro. It will also demonstrate its Almalence Digital Lens which enables VR image quality beyond display hardware capabilities and how its solution boosts image quality of the world’s highest resolution VR display, Pimax Crystal. Assets here. Contact: pr@almalence.com
Graffity Inc. will unveil its second Apple Vision Pro Game – “Shuriken Survivor.” Players defend a castle by throwing shurikens with their own hands, embodying a true ninja. Players will fend off waves of evil ninja troops, upgrading their shurikens to efficiently eliminate enemies and protect the castle. This game combines realistic shuriken actions with strategic upgrades for an engaging experience. Assets here. Contact: info@graffity.jp
One Pony Trick will showcase Toxic Therapy, a VR game which is a blend of a rage room with escape room elements of discoveries. It is stocked with breakable items, fun finds, and an arsenal of tools. Each Room is themed around a real-world scenario and includes hidden bonus levels. Toxic Therapy provides a way for players to let loose where playful destruction is not just allowed but encouraged. Assets here. Contact: contact@oneponytrick.com
Th2H will be showcasing a significantly upgraded version of PersonalSpace – a portable 4DX device that allows you to immerse yourself in media content and experience it much more realistically through multiple sensory effects wherever you are. PersonalSpace is fully compatible with all media platforms such as TV, VR, AR, Audio Book and more. Watch or read media content and immerse yourself in it through complex physical sensors such as wind, heat, cooling, vibration and tactile sensations. Assets here. Contact: deelee@the2h.com
UltraReality specializes in the research and development of core technologies for the XR (VR/MR/AR) industry. It will demonstrate how its spatial computing technology enhances 3D display effects, showcasing advanced capabilities on the front screens of XR devices. Assets here. Contact: wlzhang@ultrarealitytech.com
MOPIC will showcase its glasses-free 3D Solution for iPhone. Now anyone can capture, watch, and share 3D videos without the need for 3D glasses. By attaching MOPIC’s 3D lenses, which resemble protective glass, to your smartphone screen, your phone becomes a 3D smartphone. MOPIC will also showcase a glasses-free 3D Solution for industrial Monitors that can be utilized across various industries. These solutions combine 3D lenses and 3D software with standard panels to display stereoscopic images. Assets here. Contact: jeesoo.jung@mopiclabs.com
Simtek VR will unveil its VR Omnidirectional Locomotion Platform – a VR Hoverboard – with innovation movement and interaction in VR. VR Hoverboard has two versions for business owners and families. Simtek VR Ltd. pioneers VR mobility tech, offering intuitive full-body motion solutions and an XR sports platform. With over 6,000 VR centers worldwide under FuninVR, its Motion series, including hoverboards and treadmills, transforms VR experiences. Assets here. Contact: justin@simtekxr.com
UneeQ will reveal its updated digital human platform at Augmented World Expo USA 2024. With lifelike facial expressions and movements, digital humans foster emotional connections that amplify the impact of employee training, sales and customer service. UneeQ digital humans are multilingual interactive 3D avatars driven by generative AI so they can speak to, guide, and educate people in real-time, creating the next generation of brand engagement. Assets here. Contact: judy@companyb-ny.com
echo3D announces an integration with Sony Electronics’ Spatial Reality Displays which provide precise, highly realistic three-dimensional content without special glasses or VR headsets. Spatial Reality Display customers can now leverage echo3D technology to securely manage, store, control, optimize, and share 3D content with ease. Assets here. Contact: alon@echo3D.com
Tarsioptics will deliver unparalleled compactness and field of view with its latest 200°, 2-inch XR optics prototype. Tarsioptics, a deep-tech startup and SCOPTIQUE spin-off specializes in developing innovative optical hardware IPs and prototypes, particularly for VR/XR applications. The company is aligned with industry leaders like Magic Leap, Waveoptics (acquired by Snap), and Limbak (acquired by Apple) in the high-potential VR/XR space. Assets here. Contact: david.batte@tarsioptics.com
Simtryx is the first spatial computing simulation for nursing and healthcare workers, that transforms immersive training by meshing real world elements into the virtual world. It will demo its first scenarios on the market at AWE USA 2024 and announce that it is starting deployment with its first client, Universidad Cientifica del Sur (UCSUR). It will be the first university in the world with a spatial computing training for its med students. Assets here. Contact: info@simtryx.com
Vision Interface Technology will demonstrate its 0.39″ Full-Color uNEEDXRTM display which has achieved unprecedented visual performance – boasting brightness of 20,000 nits and pixel density of 3,386 PPI, making it the highest brightness OLED microdisplay created thus far. UNEEDXRTM (Ultra-high pixel density for Near EyE Display-XR) is a unique native RGB AMOLED display technology developed by INT. Assets here. Contact: George.Huang@int-tech.com.tw
Speed 3D will showcase the newly launched product AR Lounge – the first machine incorporating AR+AI for interacting with sports stars and celebrities. While MetAR Commerce revolutionizes e-commerce, AR Lounge disrupts interactive domain experiences. The potential of AR Lounge has been demonstrated through successful proofs of concept with professional baseball teams and cheerleading squads. Assets here. Contact: monica@spe3d.co
MACE Virtual Labs will showcase a suite of XR software platforms from world class ISVs as part of a bundled solution offering, including hardware procurement, device management, provisioning and kitting, fulfillment and logistics, and software implementation, integration and training.The company is a turnkey provider of commercial-grade Extended Reality (XR) hardware and software solutions for the Enterprise, Military, Entertainment, Healthcare, and Education markets. Assets here. Contact: chad@macevl.com
Seoul XR Pavilion will feature innovative companies including Prazen, a deep tech startup in the field of AR optical technology, Tekville, an edtech service company that researches and develops technologies to be applied to education, INUC, an innovative media solutions company based on sincerity and passion for media technology, P&C Solution, specialized company in the AR/XR field, possessing all the essential technologies for AR/XR glasses design, Newjak, creating new media XR content that unfolds without wearing an HMD, SOULX, a company founded in 2019 to give space and freedom of expression to all storytellers in the world, VIRNECT, which offers customized solutions to make XR accessible and practical, RECON Labs, which harnesses cutting-edge AI to elevate 3D commerce creation, Plicar, a 3D commerce platform offering 360-degree product exploration and AR viewers for virtual placement and 3Dpresso, a 3D content creation tool that is gaining attention in gaming, metaverse, and VFX markets. Assets here. Contact: alexa@dh-ine.com
Syntech will share its latest aesthetically pleasing and comfortable XR accessories for both businesses and consumers, and will reveal the stories and development process behind two concept headstrap products that are unreleased. Assets here. Contact: lucky.jiang@syntechhome.com
YATAV will provide a live demo of “MetaForest,” the world’s first metaverse-based psychological counseling platform, for the first time in the U.S. market. MetaForest offers a groundbreaking virtual space counseling service that emphasizes anonymity. By utilizing AI facial expression recognition technology, MetaForest tracks facial expressions through a laptop webcam or smartphone camera and implements them into avatars. This innovative approach fosters high emotional exchanges between counselors and clients. Assets here. Contact: yunhye.kim@yatavent.com
PetaRay will unveil two revolutionary advancements in AR display technology. First, the world’s first miniaturized light field AR display for waveguides – a breakthrough in AR technology with the world’s smallest light field display, seamlessly integrated with waveguide optics. Second, the industry’s smallest head-mounted light field display demo kit. Assets here. Contact: Winston.chang@petaray.com
BadVR builds immersive workspace software for enterprise and government organizations to increase the speed and quality of data-driven decisions. This is done through a next-generation AR/VR user interface that enables users to – quite literally – step inside their data. At AWE, BADVR will introduce a mobile app version of its SeeSignal application (Android version) and STAR-OPs product. Assets here. Contact: suzanne@badvr.com
SenseGlove will showcase the Nova 2, its newest haptic gloves, equipped with Active Contact Feedback to make any virtual object that comes in contact with the whole palm feel more realistic – whether it’s a car wheel, laboratory flask, or an apple. SenseGlove’s proprietary force feedback technology enables lifelike interactions, allowing users to feel size, density and resistance of virtual objects. Unlike controllers, the gloves allow you to hold, push, touch, connect and squeeze the virtual item like it’s real. Assets here. Contact: irina@senseglove.com
WEART will unveil the second generation of the TouchDIVER haptic glove – the TouchDIVER Pro. The TouchDIVER Pro glove is tailored for professionals in XR training, virtual prototyping, teleoperations, immersive marketing experiences seeking natural and realistic manipulation with virtual and digital objects.TouchDIVER Pro glove features a new design with six actuation points, including all five fingers and the palm, and current WEART’s unique multimodal haptic feedback, which provides lifelike force feedback, textures rendering and thermal cues. Assets here. Contact: marta.ferrarisfusarini@weart.it
PIXO VR is launching a low/no code XR content builder – build and demo your VR module in less than 30 minutes. It will also demo JJK & LION’s custom VR training content. PIXO now features the only low / no code XR content builder that generates enterprise-quality, fully interactive, immersive modules with drag-and-drop simplicity. With a library of reusable, customizable components, the ability to easily create new components, and the functionality to publish the content across desktop, mobile and XR devices, enterprises can create immersive custom modules like this fast food bagging training in weeks. Assets here. Contact: rosina.feser@pixovr.com
Sisu VR will announce a “Build Your Own Reality” No Code Engine where users can create visual novels and RPGs in VR with little to no programming experience, as well as active shooter response training for civilians, which includes new environments, additional firearm sounds, and interactivity for cover and conceal and fight exercises, plus an ethics module, which includes an AI-based conversation system to get real time feedback on dialogue. Assets here. Contact: hello@sisuvr.com
Nevermet is the #1 and most popular metaverse dating app -it has now created over 3 million metaverse matches on its metaverse dating app. Assets here. Contact: cam@nevermet.io
PICO XR is a leading VR company with independent innovation and R&D capabilities, focusing on VR all-in-one technology. Embracing a mission to bridge connections, enrich life, and release infinity, PICO is committed to building an integrated XR platform that inspires the community and empowers developers, creators, and businesses. Assets here. Contact: jia.kim@bytedance.com
GameDriver is a leading provider of automated testing solutions for gaming, immersive, and spatial computing experiences, and will officially unveil its new ‘XRDriver’ test automation solution. XRDriver by GameDriver simplifies the bug-finding process for video games and extended reality (XR) experiences by automating repetitive testing tasks, helping to identify problems without a human having to repeatedly and manually test for bugs. Assets here. Contact: sam@arpr.io
AWE media contact: gracehalvorsen@lightspeedpr.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/augmented-world-expo-releases-awesome-news-highlights-from-day-one-of-awe-usa-2024-302175799.html
SOURCE AWE (Augmented World Expo)
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Technology
BTQ Technologies’ QSSN Selected as Core Security Infrastructure for South Korea’s First Bank-Led KRW Stablecoin Proof-of-Concept
Published
14 hours agoon
May 6, 2026By
BTQ provides strategic advisory support and QSSN as core PQC security infrastructure for the iM Bank initiative on the Kaia mainnet, advancing post-quantum migration across global financial infrastructure
BTQ has been selected as the core post-quantum cryptography security technology provider for South Korea’s first bank-led KRW stablecoin proof-of-concept, delivering its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) for the initiative.
BTQ is providing strategic advisory support and helping coordinate implementation across the partnership with iM Bank and Finger, supporting the integration of post-quantum protections into regulated digital money infrastructure.
Built on the Kaia mainnet, the proof-of-concept is connected to the blockchain ecosystems originally developed by Kakao and LINE, linking the initiative to two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan.
VANCOUVER, BC, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – BTQ Technologies Corp. (“BTQ” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BTQ) (CBOE CA: BTQ), a global quantum technology company focused on securing mission-critical networks, today announced that it it has been selected as the core PQC security technology provider through its Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network (“QSSN”) in a proof-of-concept with its Korean strategic partner, Finger Inc. (“Finger”), and iM Bank, a leading Korean commercial bank, for South Korea’s first bank-led Korean won stablecoin infrastructure incorporating post-quantum cryptography (“PQC”).
The proof-of-concept represents more than a technical pilot. It marks an important step in bringing next-generation quantum security into banking infrastructure within Korea’s regulated financial system. In addition to providing QSSN as the core PQC security framework, BTQ is contributing consulting and strategic coordination across the three-way partnership, helping align the project’s security architecture, implementation approach, and long-term post-quantum migration objectives.
“Post-quantum migration requires more than a cryptographic upgrade. It requires coordination across infrastructure, implementation, and institutional stakeholders,” said Olivier Roussy Newton, Chief Executive Officer of BTQ Technologies. “In this initiative, BTQ is providing both strategic advisory support and QSSN as the post-quantum security architecture, while helping lead coordination across the three-way partnership. We believe this proof-of-concept demonstrates how financial institutions can begin integrating quantum-resilient protections into digital money systems in a practical and operationally viable way.”
South Korea’s First Bank-Led PQC Stablecoin Infrastructure Initiative
BTQ is working alongside iM Bank and Finger on a three-way initiative to validate the issuance and distribution infrastructure for a Korean won stablecoin. In addition to supplying QSSN as the PQC security layer, BTQ is providing consulting support and helping to guide coordination across the partnership as the parties evaluate how to integrate post-quantum protections into bank-led digital asset infrastructure.
The proof-of-concept will validate several key components, including real-time reconciliation between bank reserves and blockchain-issued supply, a global-standard smart contract architecture, connectivity to global infrastructure for overseas distribution, and the integration of a PQC-based dual-signature security structure. By applying BTQ’s PQC signature architecture alongside the existing ECDSA cryptographic framework, the system is designed to preserve operational continuity for financial institutions while proactively addressing future quantum computing threats.
Built on Kaia Mainnet
A notable feature of the proof-of-concept is that it will be implemented on the Kaia mainnet, one of Korea’s leading Layer 1 blockchain networks. Kaia was created through the merger of Klaytn, the blockchain originally developed by Kakao, and Finschia, the blockchain associated with LINE. Kakao and LINE sit at the center of two of the largest messaging and digital platform ecosystems in Korea and Japan, respectively, making Kaia a significant piece of regional digital infrastructure.
Klaytn previously participated in the Bank of Korea’s CBDC pilot ecosystem, and the Bank of Korea has continued to advance CBDC testing through initiatives such as Project Hangang.
By combining BTQ’s PQC technology with blockchain infrastructure tied to the Kakao and LINE ecosystems, the proof-of-concept is intended to establish a model that aligns institutional-grade security, blockchain scalability, and evolving regulatory requirements for digital money infrastructure.
QSSN as the Security Layer
The PQC security foundation for the initiative is BTQ’s Quantum Secure Stablecoin Settlement Network, or QSSN, a quantum-secure network architecture designed for stablecoin, tokenized deposit, payment, and digital asset infrastructure. QSSN is designed to protect critical issuer functions, including stablecoin issuance, burning, transfer authority, upgrade control, and administrative permissions, by integrating PQC-based signatures while maintaining existing user experience and operational workflows.
BTQ has previously announced that QSSN was highlighted in the U.S. Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework (“PQFIF”) as a model architecture for post-quantum digital money infrastructure. The Company has also positioned QSSN as a standards-oriented initiative advanced through QuINSA and aligned with emerging post-quantum financial infrastructure requirements.
Addressing the Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later Risk
The timing of the proof-of-concept reflects the growing urgency surrounding the “Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later” risk, in which attackers may collect encrypted financial data today and decrypt it later once sufficiently advanced quantum capabilities emerge. Global institutions are already accelerating post-quantum migration. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) has finalized its first set of post-quantum cryptography standards, including ML-DSA, ML-KEM, and SLH-DSA, while major technology companies and financial institutions continue to define their own post-quantum transition timelines.
BTQ’s QSSN addresses this challenge through a dual-signature design that allows existing ECDSA-based infrastructure to operate in parallel with NIST-aligned PQC signatures such as ML-DSA. This approach enables banks and payment infrastructure providers to begin a phased transition toward quantum-safe security without disrupting existing systems.
Expanding BTQ’s Korean Ecosystem
BTQ continues to expand its Korean ecosystem across digital assets, payments, banking infrastructure, and hardware-based security. In October 2025, BTQ announced that Finger had joined Danal as an early participant in BTQ’s QSSN pilot program, with the initiative expected to progress from proof-of-concept toward commercialization under QuINSA-aligned guidelines and broader industry frameworks such as PQFIF.
The commencement of the iM Bank proof-of-concept represents an important commercial signal for BTQ, indicating that demand for post-quantum migration among Korean financial institutions is beginning to move from policy discussion toward infrastructure-level implementation. As Korea advances both quantum technology policy and stablecoin-related regulatory discussions, BTQ believes QSSN is well positioned at the intersection of regulated finance, digital asset infrastructure, and post-quantum security.
About iM Bank
iM Bank is a South Korean commercial bank and a subsidiary of DGB Financial Group. Headquartered in Daegu, iM Bank presents itself as a financial companion for customers and traces its roots to Daegu Bank, which was established in 1967 as Korea’s first regional bank. For more information, please visit https://www.imbank.co.kr/
About Finger Inc. Group
Finger supplies and develops financial IT solutions to provide optimized money management strategies for employees and corporate customers. Providing “Smartphone Financial Services”, “Corporate Cash Management Services” for businesses, “Private Wealth Management Services” for private consumers.
Since the year 2000, Finger has accumulated a number of awards and patents regarding its businesses. Based on its Mobile Enterprise Application Platform(MEAP) Orchestra and its funds management system using screen-scrapping technologies, Finger was the first company in Korea to deliver a smartphone banking banking-service. For more information, please visit http://www.finger.co.kr/
About BTQ
BTQ Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: BTQ | Cboe CA: BTQ) is a quantum technology company focused on accelerating the transition from classical networks to the quantum internet. Backed by a broad patent portfolio and deep technical expertise, BTQ is advancing a full-stack, neutral-atom quantum computing platform spanning hardware, middleware, and post-quantum security solutions for finance, telecommunications, logistics, life sciences, and defense.
Connect with BTQ: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Olivier Roussy Newton
CEO, Chairman
Neither Cboe Canada nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Information
Certain statements herein contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the business plans of the Company, including with respect to its research partnerships, and anticipated markets in which the Company may be listing its common shares. Forward-looking statements or information often can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan” or “may” and the variations of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.
The Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the development of post-quantum algorithms and quantum vulnerabilities, and the quantum computing industry generally. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include risks relating to: the availability of financing for the Company; business and economic conditions in the post-quantum and encryption computing industries generally; the speculative nature of the Company’s research and development programs; the supply and demand for labour and technological post-quantum and encryption technology; unanticipated events related to regulatory and licensing matters and environmental matters; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting blockchains); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to research and development activities; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE BTQ Technologies Corp.
Technology
Zimmer Biomet to Present at the BofA Securities 2026 Health Care Conference
Published
14 hours agoon
May 6, 2026By
WARSAW, Ind., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced that members of the Zimmer Biomet management team will participate in the Bank of America Securities Health Care Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with a fireside chat at 8:40 a.m. PT (11:40 a.m. ET).
A live audio webcast can be accessed via Zimmer Biomet’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.zimmerbiomet.com. It will be available for replay following the fireside chat.
About Zimmer Biomet
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation.
For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X at www.x.com/zimmerbiomet.
Contacts:
Media
Investors
Troy Kirkpatrick
David DeMartino
614-284-1926
646-531-6115
troy.kirkpatrick@zimmerbiomet.com
david.demartino@zimmerbiomet.com
Kirsten Fallon
Zach Weiner
781-779-5561
908-591-6955
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zimmer-biomet-to-present-at-the-bofa-securities-2026-health-care-conference-302763299.html
SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
Technology
NextLadder Ventures Announces Co-Founder Leadership Team, Investment Focus Areas For Over $1 Billion Initiative Empowering Americans with Personalized, Tech-Enabled Support Tools
Published
14 hours agoon
May 6, 2026By
New senior hires from Google and The Collaborative Fund to lead product strategy and venture investing
Fund unveils first investment focus areas to catalyze new ‘Navigation Technology’ market, equipping Americans with cutting-edge tools to achieve economic security, opportunity and empowerment
ST. LOUIS, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NextLadder Ventures, a new fund backed by more than $1 billion in capital, today announced its priority investment areas for building a new market for “Navigation Technology” (NavTech) — tools that provide Americans with personalized solutions to navigate life’s challenges and achieve greater economic mobility — and announced its co-founding team, including two new senior hires.
The fund’s active focus areas are based on extensive research identifying the key experiences and high-stakes decision points that have an outsized impact on American families’ economic mobility. Launched investment areas include financial health, career navigation, and benefits and social services access, with further exploration underway around housing, legal aid, justice and re-entry, and mental and physical health.
The organization is also today welcoming two senior leaders: Lauren Loktev is joining NextLadder as Managing Director of Investments and Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink as Managing Director of Product. Loktev was most recently a partner at the Collaborative Fund, where she backed several breakout companies in early child development, education, and sustainability. Gosselink comes to NextLadder from Google, where she led the company’s AI and social impact portfolio. They join a growing team which has deep expertise at the intersection of economic mobility, technology, public policy, and philanthropy.
NextLadder’s Focus Areas for Investment
Today, the fund is kicking off a plan to deploy $1 billion over the next seven years to accelerate the design, development, and deployment of accessible NavTech tools that aim to help families more successfully navigate the major life experiences that determine whether they get ahead or fall behind. As NextLadder’s inaugural frontier AI lab partner, Anthropic is supporting the build-out of the organization’s AI-native capabilities and is offering technical assistance to NextLadder’s portfolio organizations.
As an increasing proportion of Americans across income levels find themselves overextended and overwhelmed, NavTech tools are designed to help individuals and families understand their options, connect to information and resources, and take action to recover from a setback or take advantage of an opportunity and reclaim their economic futures.
“Life is getting harder, and too many Americans are stuck facing some of the most complex and consequential moments of their lives without much support,” said Ryan Rippel, CEO of NextLadder Ventures. “Every day, millions in this country face fork-in-the-road decisions that have major implications on whether they climb up the economic ladder or fall farther behind. AI has understandably intensified many Americans’ anxieties about their jobs and their security in the economy. But these technologies are now also making it possible to deliver highly personalized, affordable tools to meet the needs of tens of millions of Americans in a way that has never been practically achievable or financially viable before. With NavTech tools, built for the reality of families’ everyday experiences, we can empower Americans to overcome setbacks, navigate life’s toughest financial decisions, and build more secure futures.”
NavTech tools, built with the needs of individuals, families, and trusted community partners at the center of their design, have the potential to ease burdens most acutely faced by 90 million Americans who live in households that have difficulty in paying for usual home expenses, and turbocharge the capacity of the 1.6 million community workers in non-profit or local, state, and federal government roles who serve them. This growing category of digital technologies includes tools that help families access opportunities such as personalized financial advice and legal aid, get connected with available resources and programs, and manage unexpected hurdles like losing a job or facing an eviction – while freeing social workers and service providers to spend more time on people and less time on red tape and paperwork.
The fund’s active investment areas include:
Financial Health: Developing highly personalized, AI-powered financial health tools that can provide tailored, sustained counsel to help users build savings and protect and recover from financial shocks;
Career Navigation: Building tools to support career navigation, manage and support career transitions, and help workers, case managers, and employers identify pathways to living wage work — all designed to help people successfully find the right jobs for them.
Benefits & Social Services Access: Helping eligible Americans seamlessly identify and enroll in all the benefits and social services available to them, particularly those that support career navigation and transitions, help them navigate critical life moments, and achieve stability toward economic opportunity.
NextLadder is exploring additional focus areas, including housing, legal aid, justice and re-entry, caregiving, and mental and physical health. More on the organization’s vision of these focus areas is available HERE.
In addition to backing direct NavTech solutions, NextLadder is investing in the developers, partners, and standards required to build a durable, self-sustaining market. Across all focus areas, the fund is prioritizing efforts to ensure NavTech tools are reliable, protect users’ privacy, and are trusted by the families who depend on them.
NextLadder’s Co-Founder Leadership Team
NextLadder’s five co-founders will be CEO Ryan Rippel, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer Rhett Dornbach-Bender, Chief of Staff Callie Schwartz, and the two new senior hires: Managing Director of Investments Lauren Loktev and Managing Director of Product Brigitte Hoyer Gosselink, rounding out the fund’s expertise in investing, technology, and impact.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lauren and Brigitte to the NextLadder team,” said Rippel. “Brigitte has spent her career proving that when applied purposefully, AI and technology can deliver meaningful benefits for communities, and she’ll set the bar for what NavTech tools can deliver for American families today and in the years to come. And with her deep experience backing mission-driven founders, Lauren is the perfect leader to build our venture practice from the ground up and accelerate the growth of the NavTech field. With this team in place, we’re positioned to make NavTech tools easier to build, fund, and access so they reach the people who need them most.”
Loktev brings 15 years of venture capital experience investing at the intersection of for-profit and for-good. Most recently at Collaborative Fund, she backed several companies to significant scale and launched Collab+Sesame, a first-of-its-kind thematic seed fund in partnership with Sesame Workshop focused on early childhood education. At NextLadder, she will build and lead the fund’s venture practice, sourcing and scaling investments in the founders building the next generation of NavTech tools.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to help steer AI solutions toward those who need them most,” said Loktev. “Many amazing, accomplished founders see this too, and they are on a mission to build scalable, transformative businesses in the critical verticals that help people navigate life-changing moments. I couldn’t be more excited to join NextLadder and to support the most inspiring leaders building this market from the ground up. Thanks to our unique, long-term mandate, we can be creative and flexible in investing across stage and check size to partner with the entrepreneurs and leaders we believe will change the world.”
Prior to her role at NextLadder, Gosselink spent over a decade at Google in several roles including Director of AI and Social Impact, directing more than $500 million in funding for organizations applying AI to address challenges including crisis response, education, and economic opportunity. At NextLadder, she will lead AI and product strategy across the fund’s portfolio, backing solutions and setting market-wide standards for how NavTech tools are designed, evaluated, and improved over time.
“If we collectively harness the AI transformation strategically and purposefully, we can transform the way Americans are empowered to access greater economic mobility,” said Gosselink. “We believe that people-centered products, combined with shifts in the market and the services available to families, can fundamentally reshape how millions of Americans navigate critical moments and achieve prosperity on their own terms.”
To request interviews from the NextLadder Ventures leadership team, contact media@nextladder.com.
About NextLadder Ventures
NextLadder Ventures is a time-bound venture with one goal: empower millions of Americans to reach their potential by 2040. Backed by over $1 billion in capital, the organization invests in breakthrough technologies that remove barriers to economic success and put people in control of their futures. NextLadder Ventures is trailblazing a new market for tech-enabled Navigation Technology tools that help people access the resources they need to navigate pivotal moments — offering flexible, risk-tolerant capital to entrepreneurs building these transformative tools today, while creating a pipeline of tech, talent, and capital for the long run.
SOURCE NextLadder Ventures
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