Science Strikes Back: Extended Reality
The world of extended reality has long been the stuff of sci-fi. Today, very real tech lets human and machines interact in combined real and virtual environments
Our “Science Strikes Back” series introduces some of the most exciting, forward-leaning venture investment sectors in deep tech.
Our Deep Tech Fund co-invests alongside established deep tech venture firms in companies taking on the toughest and potentially most lucrative technological challenges. Our point of view is that the need has never been higher for scientific thought and innovations tackling hard problems. Click below if you want to be notified when the fund opens in July 2020.
Deep Tech Focus #1 – Extended Reality
Defining the Space
The world of ER — extended reality — has long been the stuff of sci-fi. Today’s very real tech lets human and machines interact via computers and wearables in combined real and virtual environments. Some definitions and examples that help bring ER to life.
- Virtual reality is an immersive experience where you step into a computer-generated experience that can be real, fantasy, or a mix of both. An immersive role-playing computer game or virtual scuba-diving expedition are just two examples of VR.
- Augmented reality is a layer of content over the real world, without intermixing. An example of uses: Trying on makeup or sneakers virtually by putting a digital overlay of the product on the user’s photos.
- Mixed reality is a blend of synthetic content layered over the real world—where the two layers can interact. One example is surgeons using an ultrasound overlay on top of their patient, with that overlay being moved/manipulated to guide the procedure.
Applications and Benefits
The entertainment aspect of the technology is the tip of the iceberg here. As the technologies improve, applications will be seen in retail, education, training, travel, safety, healthcare, the military, and more.
The benefits of extended reality include:
- Greater accessibility and convenience
- More memorable, satisfying, and complete experiences
- Increased safety, reduced risks
- Lower costs
- Increased efficiency and effectiveness
Innovations in the Wings
- The technologies will become more usable, immersive (appealing to all senses), affordable, and less of a nuisance to wear.
- Consumers will enjoy shopping, learning, and experiencing through the technology.
- Professionals across all industries can improve their skills through virtual training and trial runs.
- Reality technology will improve auto safety, service, and shopping.
In Our Portfolio
AVG Portfolio Companies in the Extended Reality Space
These are just a few of our portfolio companies advancing the tech of extended reality:
- Strivr is a VR software platform that allows large organizations to run simulated training programs for its employees covering any situations they may encounter on the job.
- Emerge is a consumer platform enabling the next level of human presence and connection, with a first product that leverages sight, sound, and the sense of touch in XR and digital communications.
- Massless is a VR-enabled development platform for creative professionals.
- Medivis is a medtech company that uses augmented reality and AI to facilitate advanced medical imaging and surgical visualization.
AVG’s Deep Tech Fund invests in a venture portfolio of companies on the cutting edge of innovation. Our point of view is that the need has never been higher for scientific thought and innovations tackling hard problems. Do you want to be notified when the fund opens in July 2020? Click below.
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