Science fiction is meeting reality in Nanaimo, where a new partnership will allow speakers from around the world to appear live as holograms.
The technology, developed through a collaboration between FuturVille, Proto Hologram and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, will debut at this week’s Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit.
Paul Healy, partner at Futurus in Ireland, will be “livebeamed” into Nanaimo to deliver his keynote address.
“Our goal is to make global connections feel local,” said Julie Sperber, executive director of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, in a release. “This technology helps Vancouver Island leaders experience the power of AI and innovation first-hand — connecting your business and community in ways that make the world feel smaller.”
The event is set to draw more than 600 attendees including business, government, First Nations, and community leaders for the first live showcase of the cutting-edge innovation. Organizers say this is just the beginning, with holograms expected to appear in workplaces and community spaces across the Island in the future.
The Nanaimo-based FuturVille, a destination development agency focused on health and longevity, added their mission is optimal health and longevity for all using hologram communications technology, including livebeaming, AI-powered digital personas and more.
“Powered by the same Star-Trek inspired tech that once lived only in our imaginations, healthcare professionals can use ‘holohealth’ solutions to expand healthcare delivery to regional communities, expand customer service offerings, or even start their own full-service walk-in clinic with low real estate, labour, and administration costs,” explained Angela Fay, founder of FuturVille.
The Vancouver Island Economic Summit is set for Oct. 28-30.
