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Meet the mentor | Greg Dziemidowicz on introducing virtual reality to the sailing industry

Meet Greg Dziemidowicz to discover all about how virtual reality is being introduced into the sailing industry.

How did you get into mixed reality?
In 2015, I was looking for start-up opportunities related to technology innovations. VR was about to launch to consumers and it seemed like a platform shift that would enable many start-ups to challenge incumbents. This got me interested and I began experimenting with the virtual reality technology, starting with Google Cardboard.

Can you tell us about MarineVerse and what inspired you to start your own company?
MarineVerse builds virtual reality sailing applications. Our interactive VR experiences inspire, train and connect our users to the world of sailing. In the last 12 months, users from over 100 countries have sailed in VR Regatta - our flagship product. I’ve always wanted to build a company and MarineVerse combines my passion for sailing and technology.

What's your favourite thing about your job?
Interacting with users. It’s pretty good when you get a message saying that your app brought a lot of joy to a user’s grandpa who used to sail. It’s also great to be able to receive feedback or suggestion, take it on-board, and within a couple of days release a new version that delights the person providing the feedback by fulfilling their need and impressing them with the speed of execution - something start-ups can be great at.

What do you think the future of mixed reality will look like?
I expect a slow and steady growth of the technology until we get to the point where “mixed reality” glasses are practical enough to be worn throughout the day. Then the technology will explode and will be mass adopted.

If you could give your younger self career advice, what would it be?
Volunteer at conferences, like YOW!, that let you also attend the event. I’ve only discovered this opportunity in my last year of university, and I wish I’ve started earlier. Attending conferences like YOW! allowed me to quickly learn about what was actually going on in the industry, build my professional network and ultimately find my first job in Australia (I’ve moved from Europe).

Why did you decide to become a mentor with RMIT Online?
I enjoy helping others and teaching. Being a mentor with RMIT Online is a great way to do it while still fulfilling other commitments.

Why should people enrol in the Designing and Developing VR and AR Applications course?
Developing applications is fun and often enables building things that have never been done before. It’s a great space to be for innovators, specifically if you have little programming experience, Amazon Sumerian used in Designing and Developing VR and AR Applications is a great way to get started.

Greg

 

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This article was originally published on 31 January 2019