SHINE & Hogeschool Rotterdam Showcase at Katoenhuis

Not long ago, Katoenhuis hosted the SHINE (South Holland Immersive Network & Ecosystem) event, organized in collaboration with Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.

Alongside keynote talks by Bart Spee, policy officer for the Digital Economy at the Province of South Holland, and Hans Kooiman, who presented 'Rotterdam Inclusief'—an initiative exploring how immersive technologies can drive accessibility, inclusion, and social impact—attendees enjoyed a series of inspiring pitches. These included presentations by  Suza Vos (Visual Storyteller, 3D & AI Fashion Designer at Suza Vos), Dennie Bastiaan (Founder & CEO at Tellick and Scenebrook), and Ely Santos (Partner & Head of Brands at BROKEN EGG). Manuel Toledo (Head of Production at VRDays Foundation) invited attendees to experience the latest version of new AI-driven XR technology, as part of a VRDays Foundation partner project. 

The student exhibition featured creative prototypes by 90 second-year Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Developed in collaboration with Erasmus MC, Rotterdam Partners, Theater Rotterdam, and Theater Walhalla, the immersive experiences ranged from a pop-up tram installation to an interactive dance floor and a stand-up comedy simulator. The day concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the most remarkable projects

As a special bonus, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of Topia, a light installation by Katoenhuis community member Zalán Szakács. 

Credit: Mar Gimeno Lumbriarres