How to Set Up XR Pilot Programs for Success

In 2014, Annie Eaton started a networking event for people in Atlanta interested in immersive technology. While exploring new tech trends, her focus quickly narrowed to exploring virtual reality and augmented reality. Businesses approached her and asked how to use XR in their companies, which led to her founding Futurus.

Now, Futurus develops VR and AR apps for some of the biggest companies in the world. How did Futurus get their start? What does it take to be a successful VR developer for enterprise? How do you create XR content? How do you start a successful XR proof of concept?

In this episode, Brad and Will interview founder and CEO Annie Eaton of Futurus. They discuss the startup journey, how to be successful in VR/AR pilot programs, common pain points for organizations using XR, measuring the impact of XR in business, and more.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
02:40 - Growing from an XR consultant to XR app developer
05:40 - Startup journey and learning what to say “No” to
07:05 - Specializing in training with AR and VR
08:30 - Specializing in industry verticals
09:34 - How to be successful in VR/AR pilot programs
11:45 - Example of a pilot program with Mars Wrigley, INC
14:21 - How to set timelines for XR pilot programs
16:13 - How have can you measure the impact of a VR training app?
20:40 - What are the pain points of enterprise customers using XR?
24:02 - What is the VR content pipeline like from concept to deployment?
27:01 - Advice for XR champions in companies who want to show proof of concept?
29:00 - What is the future of XR?
30:13 - What’s a favorite use case you’ve seen in XR

About Annie

Annie Eaton is an immersive content producer specializing in engaging and interactive virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. She currently serves as the CEO of Futurus, an Atlanta-based software development company, and Executive Producer of Amebous Labs, a virtual reality-focused game studio. She serves as the volunteer Director of Arts Programming with Women in Technology, and as an advisor for the virtual reality hardware startup Unlocked Reality. As a Georgia Tech graduate, she stays involved in the Atlanta technology community, managing XR Atlanta, a community organization that now boasts over 1,500 members. Annie is also involved with Women in XR Atlanta, Women in Technology (WIT), and The Academy of International Extended Reality (AIXR).

Various organizations have recognized her for her work in tech, including Women in Technology (Woman of the Year Award), Women in IT (Rising Star Award), and Technology Association of Georgia (Young Professionals’ Technologist of the Year Award). Her projects have won recognition from Fast Company in their Innovation by Design award series. Annie has vast public speaking experience, having been invited as a speaker for conferences, podcasts, educational institutions, and corporate events to share her love and knowledge of immersive technology.

Connect with Annie:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annieeaton/
Twitter: twitter.com/futurusannie

Connect with Futurus
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thefuturus/
Twitter: twitter.com/TheFuturus
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thefuturus/
Website: www.futurus.com

Connect with Brad and Will:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin, www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/
Twitter: twitter.com/WStackable
Website: arborxr.com

Follow:
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/Arborxr
Facebook: Facebook.com/ArborXR
Twitter: @ArborXR