User:Kiwiwinelover/sandbox

PROJECTR is a specialist X Reality (XR) shared space concept incorporating co-working, research and development processes, immersive technologies and a showcase venue. PROJECTR XR centers have been established in New Zealand and Taiwan.

Background
PROJECTR was not the first specialist co-working space to open, but is one of the oldest collaborative XR centers currently operating around the globe. Early mover, USA-based UploadVR, opened two shared spaces in San Francisco (Q1, 2016) and Los Angeles (March 2017). On March 16, 2018, the two UploadVR co-working spaces ceased trading.

This collaborative working facility concept should not be confused with consumer-oriented virtual reality centres. One such example is the first UK-based VR experience centre, Tension VR, which opened in May 2016.

History
The PROJECTR style of specialised cross reality collaborative research space was conceived by New Zealand-based virtual reality entrepreneur and NZVRARA Chair, Michael Gregg, who founded the concept in April 2016. . Michael Gregg owns the PROJECTR® registered trademark.

It is reported that after Michael secured initial funding to launch the first venue, he employed a Center Executive, Jessica Manins, to help plan and open the venue. The first PROJECTR XR Center launched in Wellington, New Zealand in February 2017, with the soft launch delayed by checks and strengthening works undertaken following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. It was eventually officially opened by The Honourable Simon Bridges, Minister of Economic Affairs for New Zealand (National Government) in July 2017. . Jessica Manins continued in a contract role as the day-to-day community manager, before joining one of the Projectr Wellington residents, Mixt Studio, and relocated to bigger premises. A new community manager, X X was employed in early 2018.

Michael has subsequently opened a further new center, PROJECTR Taipei, in Taiwan and there are published plans to open Projectr XR Centers in Singapore and Los Angeles, USA, later in 2018/19. .