European virtual reality (VR) solutions provider Virtualware announced on Monday it had appointed John A Cunningham to its International Advisory Board.
The move aims to greatly expand Virtualware’s operations across markets in the United States, the company said in a press release.
Cunningham currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) and is the former Head of Government and Aerospace Business for Unity Technologies.
He is also the Chief Executive of Spatial Synergy and has served as a key leader for some of the world’s top firms like Motorola, HP, Verizon, and Aruba Networks, among others.
Cunningham has also led Unity’s operations across the government and defence sectors, in addition to increasing the San Francisco-based firm’s digital twin, spatial computing, and training capacities.
This has significantly boosted XR adoption across the industry and led to the setting of new standards for real-time 3D (RT3D) tools and technologies leveraged by industries worldwide.
Academic, Professional Background
An accomplished leader in business, he has also worked with numerous academic institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University’s iCarnegie Global Learning programme. While there from 2013 to 2017, he was the Managing Director and Vice President, Global Sales.
He also holds extensive professional knowledge in extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI), leading to innovative best practices and industry standards.
Furthermore, Cunningham launched the VRARA’s Central Florida Chapter, leading to massive contributions and collaborations between the US Department of Defense and the global XR industry.
Finally, the executive is also the Director of Special Programs, US Space Force Association (SFA), where he aims to help build a world-leading Space Force with top-tier scientific and technological capabilities.
Unai Extremo, Chief Executive, Virtualware, said,
“We are fortunate to have John join our international board. His vast experience, particularly in XR and AI, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Virtual Reality. His appointment is part of Virtualware’s strategic initiative to establish a robust presence in the U.S. market.”
Virtualware hosts offices in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for its activities in North America, but will deepen its cooperation with the United States with the new executive appointment.
Virtualware Sponsors Unity Education Summit
The announcement of John A Cunningham’s appointment to Virtualware’s advisory board comes just weeks after the firm sponsored Unity’s Education Summit.
As part of the Unite Summit 2023, Virtualware’s sponsorship of the Education Summit will allow it to facilitate immersive technologies across industries and education.
Additionally, Virtualware aims to help Unity instructors and workforce development. It also allowed Virtualware to demo its VIROO VR platform at Unity’s flagship event in early November.
In addition to education, Virtualware joined Unity’s Unite Industry Executive Summit to liaise with global firms and demo Unity’s RT3D solutions and integrations.
Five-Year Contract with Major US Energy Firm
The Bilbao, Spain-based enterprise has also reached a major milestone across its operations. For example, it recently struck a huge partnership with a major multi-million dollar US energy firm.
This has led to Virtualware inking a five-year renewable contract, where it will provide its services to quickly train and upskill remote workers for the company’s on-site employees.
VIROO, the company’s VRaaS platform, offers enterprises a comprehensive solution for deploying, developing, and training employees and professionals in crucial skill sets.
Virtualware currently serves more than 40 institutions and firms. These have included the Spanish ADIF, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, and many others.
