EU embraces the Metaverse: AIDAR engages with the VR/AR Industrial Coalition
Aidar Solutions participated in the European Commission’s VR/AR Industrial Coalition first in-presence meeting in Brussels. This event served as an important platform for Przemyslaw Maliszewski, CEO of Aidar, to represent the company and engage in intensive discussions and presentations aimed at establishing a cohesive vision and roadmap for VR/AR in Europe.
The VRAR Coalition, comprising numerous institutions and companies from the EU, including AIDAR, has been operational since early 2023. Up until now, its gatherings have been conducted virtually. The recent gathering in Brussels marked the coalition’s inaugural in-person meeting. Given the group’s considerable size and intensive discussions, even two days in Brussels proved insufficient.
In September 2022, the European Commission took a monumental step forward by formally recognizing the Metaverse as a crucial aspect of technology for the people of the European Union. Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen conveyed this acknowledgment through a letter, signifying a significant milestone in the tech landscape of the EU.
VR/AR: a transformative force
The Metaverse, a collective virtual shared space, has rapidly evolved from being solely associated with entertainment to becoming an integral part of business and everyday applications. This shift is largely attributed to tech giants like Apple, Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, and HTC, who have invested in producing advanced hardware tailored for these applications. With VR/AR being one of the fastest-growing technologies globally, its impact on various industries is undeniable..
European innovation and collaboration
European corporations have been at the forefront of implementing VR/AR solutions for several years now. Recognizing the need for cohesive action, a coalition of European VR/AR companies for the industry has been established, aimed at fostering a common vision, implementing best practices, enacting relevant laws (such as Meta safety standards), and ensuring swift adaptation to the changing technological landscape. This initiative is vital, considering the growing competition from Asia and the United States in this domain.
In addition to solving industrial challenges, there is a strong emphasis on using VR/AR technologies to support societal needs. These technologies are seen as tools for promoting inclusivity, ensuring that individuals, including the disabled and those from underserved communities, can access global opportunities. Moreover, the environmentally friendly nature of VR/AR technologies, with their reduced power consumption and minimal hardware requirements, aligns with Europe’s commitment to sustainability.
Empowering European Virtual Worlds: the role of VR/AR Industrial Coalition
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) stand out as transformative forces shaping industries and societies. Recognizing the potential of these technologies, the European Union launched the Virtual and Augmented Reality Industrial Coalition, a platform aimed at fostering dialogue between the European VR/AR ecosystem and policymakers.
The inception of the VR/AR Industrial Coalition traces back to 2020 when it was introduced as part of the Commission’s Media and Audiovisual Action Plan. Its primary objectives include informing policymaking, stimulating investment, fostering dialogue with stakeholders, and identifying key challenges and opportunities within the European VR/AR sector. This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of Virtual Worlds fit for people.
Coalition activities
Since its inception, the VR/AR Industrial Coalition has been facilitating structured dialogue through a series of workshops engaging over 100 stakeholders. These workshops serve as a conduit between members and the European Commission, ensuring that policy discussions are inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives. The Coalition adopts a cross-sectoral approach involving industries, technology providers, and creatives, thus fostering collaboration and innovation across various domains.
Aidar: Leading innovation from Poland
Among the companies at the forefront of this movement is Aidar Solutions, representing Poland in the coalition. Aidar’s commitment to innovation has been recently recognized with the prestigious award of Innovative Leader 2023 Award granted by the Executive Summit and by partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft. Their platform, built on open, multilingual, and Unity technology, aligns seamlessly with the hardware produced by major players in the industry. The recent launch of Apple Vision Pro, a groundbreaking device revolutionizing the market, further highlights the significance of companies like Aidar in the Metaverse landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Europe embraces the Metaverse and its potential, it is essential to continue fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. With the full support of the European Union and a coalition of industry leaders, the future of VR/AR in Europe looks promising. As technology continues to advance, the European Commission aims to position Europe as a leading player in the virtual world arena.
Aidar Solutions is committed to this transformative journey and looks forward to collaborating with European stakeholders to realize the vision of inclusive and impactful virtual worlds. Please stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments in this dynamic landscape.
