Xi’an looking to become hub for China's AR/VR industries

China is making efforts to establish a domestic augmented reality ecological system in order to attract more global outstanding AR/VR industry enterprises.

The goal is to set up research and development as well as marketing bases in Xi'an for Asia-Pacific market. As part of the effort, Augmented Reality Innovation Contest 2016 was held on Friday in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in Northwest China. The contest attracted more than 100 ARI products and 16 entered the final contest.

The best AR application award, the best AR device award and the best VR technology award were issued to the winning teams who will go to the United States to participate in the Augmented World Expo later this year.

The two-month long contest aimed at promoting AR technology into the markets of electronics, education, animation and tourism industries was co-sponsored by the following organizations: Xi'an's municipal bureau of commerce, Xi'an high-tech industry and development zone, China augmented reality industry alliance (ARA.ORG.CN), International augmented reality association (AR) and Ginwa investment group.

Ori Inhar, founder and CEO of AR, said China's AR industry market has a huge potential.

"The contest would help land the frontier techniques and products of the AR/VR industry in Xi'an and enhance China's and Xi'an's status on influencing the global AR/VR industry," said Ori.

Zhao Hongzhuan, Party secretary of Xi'an high-tech industry and development zone, said that the contest held in his zone both impressed the confidence in his zone to make great efforts in promoting the development of China's AR industry, and manifested the actual strength of the industry within the zone while gathering in the field of AR.

"Our zone will fully support the construction and development of the AR industry," Zhao said.

Wu Yijian, chairman of Ginwa investment group, said that his alliance will hold the second Augmented World Expo (Asia) in September in Xi'an.

Wu announced at the contest's closing ceremony that the establishment of China AR/VR industry investment fund which was jointly sponsored by Wu's alliance and the Super Ventures of the United States.

According to Wu, the fund will support in large scale the early VR/AR companies and other prospective technology companies.