Portsmouth University open centre for innovation in virtual reality

A £7million Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR) was officially opened by The University of Portsmouth this week.

CCIXR is the UK’s first purpose-built facility bringing the latest XR technologies under one roof, supporting innovation in virtual, augmented and extended realities.

CCIXR will also work with businesses and organisations to improve understanding of and widen access to XR. The centre will enhance the techs potential across a wide range of applications, from simulators, training tools and immersive visitor attractions, to the Metaverse and art and performance. 

Centre experts have already worked with organisations including the Royal Navy and Royal Shakespeare Company. They have also provided training in XR technologies through the Enabling XR Enterprise (eXRe) project, funded by the Government’s £220m UK Community Renewal Fund.

The University has partnered with industry-leading companies to ensure that CCIXR is equipped with the very latest XR technology – both now and in the future – across its facilities, which include:

• Motion Capture (MoCap) Studio
• Smart Stage and full Virtual Production and Mixed Reality Studio
• Photogrammetry & Scanning Studio
• Volumetric Video Studio
• XR Studio
• Music Technology and Sound Studios (including Dolby Atmos) 
• Projection Mapping
• Spatial Computing Lab
• Game Development
• Digital Coding Development Spaces
• Meeting & Conferencing Facilities

Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: “The University of Portsmouth is proud to have developed the CCIXR in collaboration with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

"This is a world-leading facility that places us at the forefront of innovation in virtual and extended reality, which will be at the heart of the next generation of digital technologies that will transform future work and leisure activities.  

“This is an excellent example of how, we as a global University, our work with regional partners including Solent LEP, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, and the Solent Freeport puts the us at the heart of our region’s growth and development.”

Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, Professor Trevor Keeble, said: “CCIXR has been established to bring innovation, research, and development in the creative technologies of virtual, augmented and mixed reality to a range of different industrial and commercial sectors. 

“Our well-established reputation for industry collaboration allows us to develop the creative application of cutting-edge digital innovation and the highly-skilled graduate workforce that our future economy will need.”

Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent LEP, said: "The creative sector is a significant contributor to both the national and local economy, and, in support of this, the Solent LEP has invested £3.6 million through the Local Growth Deal in this new state-of-the-art centre which will support businesses, create jobs and provide facilities for new learners.

"With its focus on digital skills and technology, the Centre for Creative and Immersive eXtended Reality will ensure our region is at the centre of this exciting and emerging immersive industry - a clear signal that the Solent is home to a world class talent base and one where the creative industries can grow and thrive."

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