Luminous, a leader in special effects engineering, has been awarded funding from the UK government to develop new immersive technologies.
The physical special effects expert has been successful in its application for the flagship grant programme which received more than one thousand applicants this year. The Exeter-based firm includes Warner Bros., Disney Theatrical Group, and the London 2012 Olympic Games among its clients.
Innovate UK Smart Grants are awarded by UK Research and Innovation to companies that generate industry-changing, disruptive ideas that apply through a competitive application process. The non-departmental public body drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise idea potential.
Luminous has secured £500,000 matched funding following its application earlier this year. The project aims to deliver alternative haptic technology for a post-pandemic VR world.
Prestigious prize
As one of Innovate UK’s most highly competitive funds, the Smart initiative only approved 71 projects for funding out of 1,072 applicants this round. Typically less than 10% of applications are successful in securing grant funding. The Luminous project will run for fifteen months, with Innovate UK funding 70% of project costs.
Luminous engineering director and co-founder, Mike Badley, says:
“To win the Innovate UK Smart Grant is a tremendous boost for Luminous, especially knowing how competitive the application process is. This development could bring about a next-level sensory experience for VR users.
“We have worked closely with VR vendors and can see an opportunity to deliver a 4th sensory dimension in a completely new way. Our technology seeks to overcome the operational and physical challenges for VR operators. Thanks to the Innovate UK funding, we will be able to fast-track this technology.
“The opportunity for physical special effects in VR experiences is a fast growing space with players now being able to enter hyper real experiences. Luminous have previously worked with virtual reality companies to add an authentic real touch to immersive experiences.
“We’ve seen a greater appetite for the use of 4D techniques in VR settings, bringing in the real-world effect which adds to the authenticity of the experience,” Badley explains, “So, when the side of your virtual spaceship gets blown off, for instance, and there’s a lava river running past it you feel the warmth and hot wind on your face.”
Upcoming project pipeline
The tech firm is reporting a ‘trailblazing year’, expanding in response to increased SFX demand in the live event and attraction markets. Luminous has completed the design and manufacture of a new flame machine planned to be released soon as well as a range of other SFX products expected to launch this Autumn.
The company adds that it has seen its biggest year yet for custom SFX installations in the UK, Asia and North America. More information on the Innovate project can be found by emailing business development manager Kelly Voysey.
The UK’s Department of International Trade and Department of Culture, Media and Sport have long-engaged with the visitor attraction sector, asking industry members how they could be supported following the international pandemic.
