Lab will support VR/AR companies and serve as a hub for New York’s emerging VR/AR industry

First publicly-funded Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Lab in the country

NEW YORK, NY—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) lab. The lab will support growing VR/AR companies and entrepreneurs and convene cross-sector stakeholders to position New York City as a global leader in the emerging VR/AR industry.

NYCEDC and MOME are seeking an organization to establish and operate a VR/AR lab within the five boroughs that will support the emerging VR/AR community with a physical space and a suite of programs to increase collaboration and learning.

“By investing in growing companies with emerging technologies, we can create good-paying, 21st century jobs for New Yorkers,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “A VR/AR lab will support the growth of new companies, spur innovation, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and students to engage with an industry that has enormous potential in our city.”

“VR and AR are fast-growing sectors in the media and entertainment space, and with this new facility we are positioning New York City to be a primary hub for new and growing VR/AR companies,” said MOME Commissioner Julie Menin. “We are thrilled to be taking this next step in turning plans for the City’s VR/AR lab into a reality, and look forward to reviewing submissions.”

“Virtual and augmented reality is likely to be the next big step in the technological revolution we’ve been experiencing in recent times,” said Council Member James Vacca, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Technology. “By taking a proactive approach towards this emerging technology, NYC stands to be a worldwide leader in a field with endless possibilities. I’m glad that this RFP will bring together private and public dollars towards a lab that will benefit the NYC tech community and the population as a whole through the innovations likely to emerge. The New York Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment have displayed great foresight with this RFP and I look forward to seeing the proposals.”