Why emerging Augmented Reality companies shouldn't be afraid of Global partnerships

Less than 24 hours before Enlighten fly off to South Korea! We are proud to represent UK Augmented Reality/elearning companies on Innovate UK’s Global Business Programme visit.

This event brings together UK/South Korean companies and research performing organisations working in key enabling technologies. The event features two key sectors where the UK and South Korea are particularly strong - Advanced Materials & Immersive Tech.

Fantastically organised by Enterprise Europe Network, EEN offer free, tailored support and advice to help businesses innovate and grow. EEN is helping Enlighten reach out to thousands of Network colleagues across the globe. They also help SMEs from the UK do business in dozens of countries, supporting them through the whole export process, and sharing privileged access to information on the ground.

So, why should small business like Enlighten consider overseas collaborations with South Korea?

For a start, they have a strong economic foundation - In 2016 South Korea ranked 11th in the world GDP and 8th in trade volume while the UK has one of the world’s largest AR/VR environments. With South Korea being a hub of innovation with a growing industry in these sectors it is a perfect opportunity to form collaborative relationships. With 17 South Korean companies in the Fortune Global 500 including; Samsung, Hyundai and LG, Enlighten are very excited to meet representatives from some of these companies on the visit.

Working together and sharing best practice will strengthen both countries emerging technology sectors and make for a more globally connected world.

In the past South Korea’s augmented/virtual reality markets were focused on military or architectural fields, but recently AR/VR is being applied to wider range of related industries, including games, animation, digital videos education and e-learning. 

Over half of the AR/VR content companies in Korea participate in the development of video and entertainment content, such as games. With Enlighten’s AR/VR experience in developing content for the UK Education and Mental Health sectors we aim to work collaboratively with SK companies who are starting to develop a high level of interest in education and wellbeing.

In addition, SK’s cloud market is growing at a similar rate to global markets.

As large-scale cloud servers are being utilised for an increasing number of purposes with the recent expansion of artificial-intelligence-based services, global cloud markets are expected to see continued growth.

Choosing a cloud partner is a critical decision for any organisation, regardless of its size and it is important to be aware that not all cloud service providers are the same. Enlighten are working with Quiss Technology,  the first UK service provider to achieve ISO 27001:2013 and combine technical expertise with a range of comprehensive solutions. Together we are looking forward to meeting Korean cloud providers and discussing secure cloud based global solutions.

At a recent event held by Innovate UK & Enterprise Europe Network (ENN) E JM Jee, Chief Investment Specialist of KOTRA discussed how the South Korean government has been making efforts to provide foreign investors with better incentives and business environment. KOTRA London promotes trade and investment between the UK and South Korea. Similarly, Craig Sharp from Innovate UK was keen to impress that Horizon 2020 is ensuring there is more emphasis on innovation and the involvement of industry e.g. industrial deployment of key enabling technologies, and through Public-Private Partnerships, encouraging larger organisation to team up with relatively young Start-ups like Enlighten AR.

 Recently, exchanges between SK and Britain have shared the culture and products of each other; Enlighten is looking forward to attending the world premiere of a dance production co-created by Eun-Me Ahn and Candoco Dance Company; 'Good Morning Everybody. 

This is part of Pyeongchang’s Cultural Olympiad - a joint British/SK Arts Council sponsored by Samsung’s Relumino (Relumino is Samsung’s visual aid app). Then dinner and networking at the ambassador’s residence.

With scheduled official tours of Samsung Electronics, Delight & KICOX, matchmaking with likeminded companies & ETRI Exhibitions showcasing 3D Facial Scanning Systems & Giga Class Realistic (multi-view/hologram) Content Technology the next few days are going to be amazing.

The UK and South Korea are both looking forward to this in a great positive way and Enlighten are very proud and privilege to be part of that journey.

Here’s to the next few days in South Korea and exciting long-term opportunities for all involved.

Follow all our progress on Twitter #GBAPKorea