10136611An innovative immersive VR platform that will enhance security training for the UK's event and venue sectors by simulating real-life scenariosClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKUK-based security SME Elite is led by a project team of Ivan Mariacher (project owner), Dervish Ibrahim (IT development manager), Mike Payne (counter terrorism advisor) and Ben Lloyd Holmes (VR consultant and developer). Operational readiness for viable security and terror threats is hampered by the insufficient and unrealistic counter terrorism training provided to security personnel, particularly in the event and venue sectors. These sectors are in dire need of enhanced security solutions, especially with the introduction of Martyn's Law, which requires venues to prepare for, and protect the public from, potential terror threats. Failure to enhance the skillsets of security professionals and security risk management could lead to incidents in the future. This would erode confidence and trust in the profession, make the public feel less safe and could see the government face costly reactive measures. Elite has noted the imbalance in current security training and is developing an immersive virtual reality (VR) platform that will provide enhanced training for the event and venue sectors. While previous technologies have relied on computer-generated imagery, Elite will use real-life scenarios filmed in actual venues. This will enable it to provide practical training that will prepare security personnel for real-life threats. With Elite's VR security training, security personnel will learn the trait of suspicious behaviour and how to deal with high-risk, high-stress situations. Elite's platform will make counter terrorism training available on-demand. It will reduce costs by 97% when compared to the £6M-operation Strong Tower, making this vital training accessible to everyone. Elite's innovative solution will improve public safety and confidence and the sectors' preparedness for terrorist threats, addressing the requirements of Martyn's Law.