A look back at the inauguration of the Laval Virtual Center

Inauguration of the Laval Virtual Center
News
Innovation

On Thursday, October 5, nearly 500 guests attended the inauguration of the Laval Virtual Center, the first international hub dedicated to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, of which the Institut Arts et Métiers Laval is one of the leading players.  

Engineers trained in virtual and augmented reality

The industry of the future involves significant technological and digital changes. TheThe Arts et Métiers Institute Arts et Métiers Laval, located within the Laval Virtual Center, is strengtheningArts et Métiers positionArts et Métiers new technologies, particularly virtual and augmented reality. With itsresearch master's degree in "Management of Interactive 3D Technologies," a benchmark program in direct contact with experts in virtual and augmented reality and start-ups based in Laval and throughout the region, "the Arts et Métiers Institute Arts et Métiers Laval trainsstudents, but more importantly, the employees of tomorrow, who will be the key players in the industry of the future! " emphasized Laurent Champaney, CEOArts et Métiers, in his speech.

Contribute to the global expansion of virtual and augmented reality

"We are developing our work around a unique and innovative research focus: user-centered design methodologies for virtual experiences," explains Simon Richir, head ofthe Arts et Métiers Institute and the "Presence and Innovation" team at the LAMPA Laboratory. "Our multidisciplinary team is also working on new uses for virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, focusing on the multisensory and cognitive experience of users interacting in real time with a virtual environment." There is a great deal of excitement surrounding our presence here. Our location within this high-tech center, alongside Clarté and Laval Virtual, anchors us even more firmly within an innovative ecosystem. This opens up new perspectives and new projects."

What is the Laval Virtual Center?

An iconic 3,200 m² building with exterior architecture by Romain Leblanc and interior architecture by Genius Mundi, the Laval Virtual Center provides spaces, services, equipment, and specialized, experienced multidisciplinary teams to accelerate the technological projects of any company. The Laval Virtual Center brings together Laval Virtual, Clarté, and Arts et Métiers in one location. Arts et Métiers, which offer their knowledge and skills to companies: from technology watch to ideation and continuing education on VR/AR, they also advise companies on the choice of equipment in line with their business needs and on their virtual and augmented reality projects.

 

Latest news

The partnership between the institute and Orange aims to develop augmented reality remote collaboration tools for the maintenance of communication systems in industrial settings.

News, Company, Research

In 2026, Arts et Métiers third among engineering schools according to a ranking compiled by News Tank and Emerging.

News, Company

On March 11, 2026, the CAIRE project’s general meeting was held at the University of Burgundy Europe (UBE) in Dijon.

News, Evolutive Learning Factories

El Moctar Khattary, an entrepreneur, chose the Business & Technology MBA offered by Arts et Métiers ESSCA.

News, Training