Unframed Collection is a partner of Numix Lab, a touring event in Europe that every year brings together professionals and experts in immersive creation to meet the cultural centres of the host countries. In 2024, Germany welcomed 250 people, with an intense week of exchanges and discoveries between Munich, Leipzig and Berlin! To mark the occasion, we met Finn Kortenbrede, managing director of XRBB (Extended Reality Berlin Brandenburg).
Finn Kortenbrede – As the name suggests, we are an association based in Berlin and Brandenburg, dedicated to representing and connecting the XR industry. Our network consists of 95 members, primarily located in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region.
F. K. – However, our reach extends beyond these geographical boundaries. We collaborate with partners from other European countries and participate in various European projects. Our network is highly diverse, encompassing artists who work with XR technology, designers, and media creators who integrate these technologies into their work. We also have members ranging from small to large-scale production studios, research institutions such as Fraunhofer, universities in Berlin and Brandenburg, as well as major global companies like Microsoft and Meta.
XRBB main initiatives
F. K. – In the past, XRBB has organized various events, including a VR awards ceremony as part of the Berlinale in 2018 or 2019. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, this initiative was interrupted.
F. K. – Currently, we are involved in several event formats. Every year, during the Venice Film Festival, we host an exclusive networking event in the form of a catamaran cruise. This gathering is designed for producers and film funding organizations from Germany.
F. K. – We are also preparing the first International Academy Conference on Mental Health Research using XR Technologies, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute. We have partnered with Fraunhofer to leverage their facilities and foster greater collaboration and knowledge exchange through various events. Starting next year, we will host regular bi-monthly events at their venue.
F. K. – Additionally, we are organizing the XR Synergy Summit together with the Fraunhofer Institute and co-producing the Numix Lab in Berlin. Our association also hosts numerous meetups and networking events, including Future Narratives, a modular event format that highlights different XR industry verticals. For example, it explores applications in the medical field, such as surgical training, mental health research, and training scenarios for therapeutic purposes.
F. K. – Furthermore, we arrange Meta Member Events, where our members can introduce themselves and showcase their ongoing projects. Lastly, we are working towards launching a large-scale XR festival in Berlin, in collaboration with our partners.
The German XR market
F. K. – Germany has a strong public funding structure for virtual reality productions, largely stemming from traditional film funding mechanisms. As a result, XR projects can receive financial support at the conceptual stage, as well as later during production. However, there are fewer private investors willing to cover production costs, meaning that most funding opportunities remain public.
F. K. – Regarding current XR exhibitions in Berlin, I am aware of an installation at the Humboldt Forum. However, since I am relatively new in my position at XRBB, I cannot provide a comprehensive list of ongoing exhibitions at the moment.
Attending Numix Lab
F. K. – For me, the Numix Lab is primarily about building new connections and expanding our network beyond Berlin and Brandenburg—particularly towards France, the Benelux countries, and Canada, which have a significant presence at this event.
F. K. – Our goal is to contribute to the growth of the XR industry as a whole, not only in the entertainment and cultural sectors but also in the technical and industrial fields. However, since many of our association members come from the creative and cultural industries, we have a particular interest in fostering innovation and collaboration in these areas.
F. K. – Ultimately, we aim to establish new connections, introduce our members to international institutions and events, and explore funding opportunities and partnerships with various industry stakeholders worldwide.
