Coming soon this Autumn, we are launching an open call for organisations with an idea for a product or service, that uses immersive and/or 5G technologies to bring value to or to help solve a problem for the tourism sector.  

Twelve successful organisations will be invited to join the programme to bring their solutions to life. This cohort will gain access to our private 5G testbed, immersive equipment, and will enjoy free coworking at our central 5G Immersive Lab, providing a collaborative environment to develop ideas.

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Context

September saw the opening of the brand-new Digital Catapult 5G Immersive Lab, based in Newcastle’s Eldon Square, which is there to help businesses better understand the power of 5G and immersive technologies.

5G and immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) have vast use cases across a number of different industries - one such industry is Tourism and Visitor Economy. There is arguably no better place than the North East of England to explore how these technologies can create high-quality experiences, that allow users to explore and experience regional culture in new ways.  

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Benefits of the Open Call

12 successful companies will benefit from:  

• Access to the 5G testbed.
• Use of immersive equipment (VR headsets, sensors, virtual glasses).
• Access to free coworking space in Eldon Square.
• Seminar sessions to advance general knowledge on topics such as: IP and legal, agile ways of working, design thinking, pitching.
• One-to-one support provided by 5G and Immersive technology experts.
• Roundtable advice session with Vodafone.
• Opportunities to connect with industry leaders in their field via events and mixers.
• Opportunity to promote their solution at a Showcase to the challenge owner and Vodafone.

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Key Dates

4^th November – Application opens

29^th November – Applications close

2^nd December – Evaluation and selection takes place

16^th December – Announcement of successful applicants

6^th January – 14^th of March - Programme runs

17^th – 23^rd March - English Tourism Week Showcase

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Eligibility

This open call is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.  

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Need more info?  

The open call is not yet live, and we will be publishing the link to the application form on the 4^th of November.

If in the meantime you have any questions, please get in touch with the programme lead, Jenna Ingoe at: jenna.ingoe@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com

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