EDFVR (Erster Deutscher Fachverband für Virtual Reality e.V.) is Germany’s national association for immersive technologies, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and the broader field of Extended Reality (XR). Founded in 2014, EDFVR serves as a collaborative platform for professionals, developers, startups, and institutions across Germany, aiming to advance the XR industry through networking, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
Overview
EDFVR positions itself as a central hub for XR innovation in Germany, focusing on:
Industry Networking: Connecting XR professionals and organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Policy Advocacy: Engaging with governmental bodies to influence policies that support the growth of XR technologies.
Education and Training: Promoting XR education through initiatives like the “Gestalter/in für immersive Medien” vocational training program.
Community Engagement: Organizing events, workshops, and conferences to raise awareness and drive adoption of XR technologies.
The association operates democratically, with a member-elected board and active participation from its members in various projects and working groups.
Key Activities
Vocational Training Program: Launched in 2023, the “Gestalter/in für immersive Medien” program aims to equip individuals with skills in designing immersive media, addressing the growing demand for XR professionals.
Events and Conferences: EDFVR actively participates in and organizes events such as the Immersive Tech Week in Rotterdam and the SOMA-Fest Inspiration Day in Cologne, providing platforms for networking and knowledge sharing.
Policy Engagement: The association contributes to policy discussions at both national and European levels, advocating for the recognition of XR as a strategic sector and addressing issues like digital infrastructure and ethical standards.
Research and Publications: EDFVR collaborates on studies and publishes position papers to inform stakeholders about the state of the XR industry and its potential impact on various sectors.
More information at https://edfvr.org/