University of Dallas and Jobs for the Future partner on Innovation Challenge for the “Next Big Idea” in VR and XR technology for small businesses » Dallas Innovates

Photo: Damir Khabilov/iStock

Virtual reality doesn't just let you wield a flaming sword while playing Blades & Sorcery: Nomad. New advances under the umbrella of VR technology and augmented reality (XR) are also beginning to change the way people learn and work. An event at the University of Dallas is about to showcase some of that possibility.

Jobs for the Future, a national nonprofit organization, and the University of Dallas have announced that “Dallas-based small business owners and community visionaries are partnering with technology developers to advance innovation in VR technology. We're hosting an Innovation Challenge to help you discover your next big idea the week of October 16th.

This challenge is sponsored by Meta, owner of Oculus Studios.

First, a week-long hackathon competition will be held to create new uses for XR technology to solve small business challenges. Developers and entrepreneurs will team up to create the “next big idea” in his VR technology solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

and Friday, Oct. 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. A public event will showcase the solutions developed during the challenge. This event will be held at the Dallas College Building J. Priest Center, 1402 Corinth Street, Dallas.

Free and open to the public, no reservations required.

“Dallas-based small business owners face unique challenges, and XR solutions are a powerful tool to help them do so, improving the customer experience by showcasing the services they offer in new and innovative ways. “It can be customized to suit your needs, such as improving employee training and skill development to improve business efficiency,” the host organization said in a statement.

Learn more about this challenge, which is also taking place in Denver and Washington, DC.