Global conference Augmented World Expo (AWE), which involves a series of events focused exclusively on the business of AR and VR that collectively becomes XR, has announced the winner of its $100,000 XR Prize Challenge.
The challenge is a global competition that harnesses AR and VR solutions to help fight climate change and the awards were distributed among 11 finalists from 21 countries across five continents.
The winners
Best of Category: Optimise – InCitu, a social-impact software platform that brings future cities to life through AR.
Best of Category: Educate – Mangrove City by The University of Miami clinched this category with its VR experience designed for middle school students to explore mangrove forests and learn how to mitigate climate change.
Best of Category: Visualise – Arctic at Risk, a project that unites educators, researchers and VR content creators to create a virtual journey to Qikiqtaruk, an island at the forefront of climate change.
Overall winner – Between Two Worlds, an AR reality app that invites viewers to experience wildlife art uniquely.
XR prize challenge judge Dr Erika Woolsey said, “Between Two Worlds demonstrates a beautiful and thoughtful use of interactive AR that links physical artwork to real-world impact. It is elegant in its simplicity and has the potential to scale and accelerate learning, donating, and acting towards the protection of biodiverse habitats worldwide: a powerful natural defense against climate change.”
Dace Campbell, XR prize challenge competition manager said, “I’m humbled and inspired by all the creative and diverse solutions proposed in this competition, and proud to be associated with such powerful leaders and voices harnessing XR in our fight against climate change.”
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
