Local developers and entrepreneurs were then selected to compete in a week-long hackathon where they developed an XR idea for solving the challenge, gaining additional insight from the local businesses and technical experts. This culminated in a pitch competition hosted at  the DC Tech and Venture Coalition’s month DC Tech Meetups.

Four different ideas were presented and winners were voted on by the audience for cash prizes and XR headsets! Solutions: (listed in order of placement in competition)

Joseph Cathey:

• Solution: A location-based AR game fostering community engagement and interaction with local businesses and attractions. This immersive game encourages players to explore various points of interest, including categories such as history & culture, retail, recreation, arts & entertainment, food & beverages, and community activities. The platform features a dynamic short-form video feed that facilitates the discovery of local businesses, attractions, and events, enhancing the overall user experience.
  
  By incorporating existing marketing materials, businesses can effectively reach new customers, reducing customer acquisition costs. The gamified AR maps incentivize users to accumulate points by visiting local establishments and competing with others, fostering camaraderie and encouraging exploration of new locations. Participants can redeem their accrued points for tangible rewards, leading to cost-effective benefits while strengthening their connections with the local community and businesses.

Andrey Mikhalchuk:

• Solution: An AR solution designed to revolutionize the dining experience by providing customers with a comprehensive view of entire meals in real life. By utilizing AR technology, customers can visualize a 3-D representation of their chosen meal on their physical table before placing an order, enhancing their understanding of the dish beyond descriptions or 2-D images. This immersive experience effectively bridges the gap between virtual and physical dining, enabling customers to make more informed decisions and fostering a greater sense of anticipation for their culinary experience. By virtually participating in the dining process, customers may be inspired to visit the restaurant in person or opt for convenient takeout options, enhancing overall customer engagement and satisfaction.

Junhao Chen:

• Solution: An AR/VR virtual practice & training environment where food and restaurant staff can immerse themselves in realistic kitchen and bar scenarios. The solution employs interactive tutorials through step-by-step AR guides, ensuring an intuitive learning process. Scalable training modules guarantee uniform content delivery across all staff levels. At the same time, real-time feedback and assessment mechanisms provide instant insights, creating a dynamic and engaging training experience that enhances proficiency and performance in the high-pressure environment of the food service industry.

Femi Adisa:

• Solution: A VR solution transforming physical establishments into dynamic virtual spaces, offering immersive experiences, interactive storytelling, and virtual explorations. Customers can participate in virtual gatherings hosted within replicas of real small businesses, gaining insights into their history, products, and even making purchases, fostering a lasting impression that encourages physical visits.
  
  The solution integrates real establishments into virtual games, allowing avatars to engage with local businesses in an entertaining manner, thereby promoting them and serving as a bridge between the virtual and physical worlds. This solution reshapes the future of local commerce, empowering small businesses to maintain their uniqueness and community connections while expanding their digital reach, ultimately ensuring prosperity in the digital age.