Nanchang holds international conference on VR technology

Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province, held the 2018 World Conference on VR Industry from Oct. 19 to 21, bringing together over 2,000 participants from 18 countries and regions.

The logo of the 2018 World Conference on VR Industry held in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. [Photo by Gao Zhan/China SCIO]

The event focused on the technological development of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and 5G communications. It also played host to a VR expo for enterprises to display their latest VR products.

China's VR industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, and its expanding market potential attracted global VR developers, including Microsoft, Qualcomm, HTC, Lenovo and Huawei, to the conference.

Favorable policies for companies and talents

During the conference, Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 20 to establish a new incubator project centering on VR and mixed reality (MR) in Nanchang.

Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2018 shows the Nanchang Greenland International Expo Center. With an exhibition area of 20,000 square meters, the expo center showcases new VR/AR technologies and products. [Photo by Gao Zhan/China SCIO] 

Alain Crozier, CEO of Microsoft Greater China Region, said he is confident with the cooperation with Jiangxi, and that Microsoft is exploring and cultivating VR talents in Jiangxi.

Crozier added that the local government leaders paid close attention to experts' lectures on VR technology, which suggests the province is serious about developing the VR industry.

The Nanchang municipal government recently announced it will set up a 1 billion-yuan (US$144 million) public-private joint angel investment fund specifically for the VR/AR industry incubation and investment development. The local government has also committed to rewarding and subsidizing viable VR/AR inventions and talented individuals in the field.