Bridging the tech gap - new project to help businesses adopt cutting-edge interactive technologies

Posted on Monday 23 March 2026

The Creative Technology Discovery Cluster (C3) will help organisations of all sizes - and from all sectors - use cutting-edge creative technology to support business innovation and solve real-world problems. 

The cluster’s first event, taking place on 24 March at the Guildhall, York, will showcase how innovative technologies from the creative industries can drive growth and competitive advantage across industry.

Storytelling

Technologies such as virtual reality, immersive environments and motion capture have been significantly shaped and advanced by the creative and performance industries, where they have enabled new forms of storytelling, production and audience engagement. Building on this foundation, these technologies are now transforming a wide range of sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, heritage, tourism and digital services.

As part of the event, academics from CoSTAR LiveLAB, a state-of-the-art research and development facility at Production Park in Wakefield, will give an overview of the work being done there, while Phil Adlam, Chief Technology Officer at Production Park, will deliver the keynote address on how technology is set to develop over the next 20 years.

Delegates will be able to access specialist support to help their organisation explore, adopt, and implement digital tools. Following a series of "lightning talks" and live demonstrations - including guided tours from XR Stories - the event will transition into practical exercises and networking.

These sessions will be led by Richard Hall, a specialist in innovation support known for helping businesses bridge the gap between abstract technology and commercial application.

Competitive

The event has already seen a massive surge in interest, with over 100 registrations from a diverse range of sectors, including housing, tourism, heritage, justice, and education.

Enterprise Works Director Sam Gardner said: “Many businesses know they need to modernise and upskill but aren't sure where to start. C3 acts as a bridge, helping companies get up to speed with the latest technology, helping them stay competitive.”

By joining the cluster, businesses can:

• Explore R&D opportunities: Understand what tools like VR or motion tracking are and how they actually work.
• Improve products: Find ways to use tech to design better items or offer faster services.
• Identify partners: See how other industries are using tech to get ideas they might never have considered.
• Stay Ahead: See the latest technology currently being developed in the region and access funding routes.

The project is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and is part-funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, York Central, and Tech York.