Regular VRFocus readers will – at least we hope – be well aware of out three regular weekend features. Those being ‘This Week In VR Sport‘, ‘The VR Job Hub‘ and ‘Something for the Weekend‘ – click all those links incidentally to be taken to last weekend’s iteration of all three, incidentally.
But when it comes to the former, there’s still plenty of sports news connected with immersive technology that hits us throughout the week and today we’ve got a story for you connected with NBA basketball team the Sacramento Kings. Who have just announced a new collaboration with the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator as well as McClatchy New Ventures Lab, Clark Pacific, and Moneta Ventures. A collaboration that begins with 2018 AR/VR Pitch-Fest which begins at the end of this month.
Pitch-Fest, which takes place on August 29th, will feature presentations by 20 augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) start-up companies. The top presenting company will then get featured at the Kings’ first home game of the new season.
“We often talk about immersive storytelling as a part of journalism’s future, but there’s no reason it can’t be in the present.” Said Meghan Sims, Head of McClatchy New Ventures Lab and Director of Strategic Video Initiatives. “Accelerators like this push the medium forward with better technology, distribution and monetization models that are now within reach.”
“As early augmented and virtual reality adopters, we understand the power that immersive technology can have with our fans and guests,” added the Chief Technology Officer of the Sacramento Kings Ryan Montoya, who will also be acting as one of the judges for the event. “We’re looking forward to showcasing emerging innovations at Golden 1 Center, supporting the development of new tech, and providing our insight along the way.”
“We are excited to see the unique and innovative businesses that emerge from the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator.” Said Founder and Managing Partner at Moneta Ventures Lokesh Sikaria, about the collaboration. “With AR/VR predicted to be a $50B+ industry in the next 3 years, the accelerator is poised to graduate companies into a rising tide of investment and growth in the industry. Moneta Ventures looks forward to assisting these entrepreneurs in founding disruptive businesses and establishing the Sacramento region as a strong hub of innovation in this space.”
More information on the event and information on how companies can apply to take part can be found on the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator website.
via Mint VR