Hologram firm eyes bright city lights
The creators of an interactive hologram display, which they claim is a world first, have opened an office in Australia to help expand its global reach.
Point Zero, a Wellington technology company, opened its doors in the Queensland capital of Brisbane on Tuesday.
The firm, which specialises in the development of interactive three-dimensional holograms, believes it has developed a worldfirst product, which puts viewers into a world of virtual reality (VR) without the need for goggles.
In August, the company began a six-month trial of a prototype hologram at Auckland International Airport, which hovers over a disposal bin at the customs arrival gate. It explains the threat the Queensland fruitfly poses to New Zealand’s environment.
Point Zero founder and chief executive Chris Mather said opening a Brisbane office and showroom meant the company could test the Australian market.
‘‘Now it is time for us to see where we can expand to and if we can take our product global.’’
Point Zero received a $100,000 funding boost from Advance Queensland’s Hot DesQ programme, which aims to lure international and interstate startups. This allowed the company to set up shop, and employ three staff.
If Brisbane proved successful, Mathers would look next at Sydney and Melbourne, he said.
‘‘If we could have showrooms or holographic displays permanently located in major cities around the world, then we can provide a lot cheaper rentals for our clients and can make this technology more publicly available for bigger companies, launch events, and conferences everywhere.’’