At the beginning of 2025, the 5G Immersive Lab hosted the All Access Pass programme. This 10-week challenge focused on how 5G and immersive technologies can benefit three key areas within the tourism and heritage sector: accessibility, access to sites in poor weather conditions and engaging tourists that don’t have access to personal technology.  

Over the 10 weeks, the cohort rapidly evolved their solutions from idea to build stage with specialist design support from Seated Consulting and the Digital Poverty Alliance, and technical expertise provided by Vodafone and Accelleran. Participants also had access to the 5G Immersive Lab in Eldon Square and the Innovation team for support, which provided them with a standalone 5G testbed, immersive headsets and 360-cameras to help bring their products to life.  

We recently chatted with the cohort members to see what they thought of the programme and what the next steps are for them. Please watch the videos below for more information.  

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Interviews from the All Access Pass Cohort

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Aucto Visio  

Frank Styles has started a new project called Aucto Visio, combining large-scale public street art with interactive immersive experiences. We recently caught up with him to discuss his experience with the All Access Pass programme at the 5G Immersive Lab.  

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Virtual Heavy Industries  

Virtual Heavy Industries creates immersive experiences for various brands. We spoke with Liam O’Neill about his experience on the programme, developing his idea of interactive augmented reality (AR) mirrors to enhance visitor experiences.  

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Tiny Dragon Productions  

Tiny Dragon is a Newcastle-based production company that brings together creative storytelling and digital entertainment to develop new, immersive events. We chatted with Pippa Fox and Matt Runham to learn more about how they found the All Access Pass programme and the next steps for their Immersive Rooms idea.

3D Virtual Spaces  

3D Virtual Spaces create bespoke, interactive 3D digital models of spaces, which are often used as accessibility and inclusion aids. Throughout the programme, Owen Weightman developed the idea of 3D models to allow visitors to virtually see and interact with specific locations to help prepare for visits.  

Cassini Creative  

Cassini Creative is a content and creative production company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, delivering award-winning films and immersive experiences. Over the course of the All Access Pass, they developed their narrative-based VR experience, and we spoke with Tim Goodill about his experience of the programme.

Further Information

If you would like to learn more about the 5G Immersive Lab, please check out our website here. If you have any further questions about the All Access Pass programme, or if you would like to arrange an immersive or 5G demo session with our team, please get in touch with our Innovation Manager, Jenna Ingoe at: Jenna.Ingoe@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com