We are pleased to announce that we have selected the twelve successful organisations that will be joining us on our All Access Pass: Future of Inclusive Tourism programme in partnership with Destination North East England.

Starting in January, this 10-week challenge will focus on how 5G and immersive technologies can benefit three key areas within the tourism and heritage sector: accessibility, access to sites in poor weather conditions and engaging tourists that don’t have access to personal technology.

At the end of the programme, our cohort will have the chance to showcase their solutions with tourism leaders.

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Why Is This Challenge Important?

Making tourism more accessible is not only the right thing to do—it’s a major growth opportunity. The ‘All Access Pass’ challenge address significant barriers that can limit tourism’s impact on the region, tourism businesses, and individuals.

• For the Region: Making tourism more accessible and resilient to climate challenges strengthens the North East’s economy, boosts its reputation for inclusivity, and showcases it as a welcoming, innovative destination.

• For Tourism Businesses: By removing barriers for visitors with accessibility requirements, preparing for weather disruptions, and ensuring access for those without personal tech, businesses can expand their customer base, drive repeat visits, and build loyalty.  

• For Individuals: Accessible tourism ensures that all visitors—regardless of ability, comfort with technology, or weather conditions—can enjoy a full, engaging experience, enriching their connection to the North East.

Now, let’s introduce the cohort that will be part of the programme...

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3D Virtual Spaces: Immersive Digital Models

3D Virtual Spaces create bespoke, interactive 3D digital models of spaces which are often used as accessibility and inclusion aids. The team will develop their 3D models to allow visitors to virtually see and interact with specific locations to help prepare for visits and allow them to virtually experience more challenging landscapes.

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Tiny Dragon Productions: Immersive Spaces

Tiny Dragon is a Newcastle-based production company, who brings together creative storytelling and digital entertainment to develop new, immersive events. Through the All Access Pass programme, the team will develop ‘immersive room’ experiences using the latest digital technologies and light, sound and video to create unique storytelling experiences for all to enjoy.

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Cassini Films: Heritage Horizons

Cassini Films is a content and creative production company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, delivering award winning films and immersive experiences. Starting in January, the team will develop a mixed reality platform that will provide virtual experiences, AR navigation assistance, and will be tailored to users’ needs.  

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Virtual Heavy Industries: AR Magic Mirror

Virtual Heavy Industries creates immersive experiences for forward looking brands. Over the course of the programme, the team will develop their idea of customisable interactive augmented reality (AR) mirrors that will aim to enhance North East visitor experiences, providing North East attractions with a new way to tell stories.

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Simon Laing & David Haigh: Immersive Farne Islands

With a love of the ocean and sustainable tourism, Simon and David have come together with a shared ambition. Over the project, the duo will develop a product that helps to make the Farne Islands more accessible with a shore-based immersive experience that will enable a whole range of visitors to interact with the islands, regardless of weather or ability.

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Kerckhoffs Ltd: Eyemmersive

Kerckhoffs Ltd is dedicated to creating cutting-edge technological solutions that address societal challenges, with a focus on enhancing inclusion for those with disabilities or neurodiversity. Over the 10-weeks, the team will be developing their idea for smart glasses that use immersive technologies to improve experiences for visitors with accessibility requirements.  

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Pasimo: Sign Language App

Pasimo is helping organisations to become inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing staff and customers. Through this open call, Pasimo will be exploring how mixed reality can be used to teach British Sign Language (BSL) to ensure that staff are trained to speak and understand BSL to ensure that spaces are more inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.

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The Escape Key Limited: 5G Escape Room

In Newcastle city centre, the Escape Key Limited is home to six themed escape rooms all based around the North East’s rich history. This programme will help to digitise their escape rooms so that they are accessible to a wider audience and bring a unique twist to the regional escape room scene.

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Also joining us on the programme will be:

• Bee Enchanted: To develop a mobile immersive performance combining dance, programmable LED technology, and community engagement.

• Newcastle Castle: To turn an existing 3D scan of their castle into an interactive, fully accessible digital experience.

• Frank Styles: To blend public art with interactive 5G-enabled AR experiences.

• Segedunum Roman Fort: To explore immersive simulations visitors.

• The Engine Room: To transform the event space into an immersive showcase of local history and culture.

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Final Thoughts  

Once the programme starts, we will be posting regular updates about our cohort’s activity on our social media.

If you would like to learn more about the Digital Catapult 5G Immersive Lab and our programme of activity, come and pop into the Lab in Newcastle City Centre or get in touch with Jenna Ingoe at: jenna.ingoe@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com

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