RealTime Immersive, a newly-established simulation industry software and support company, announced this past week that they have established their headquarters in Orange County. The organization is off to a good start; they serve as North America's exclusive representative for CryENGINE® in the serious games and simulation market space, which is a critically-acclaimed game engine developed by Germany-based, award-winning game development studio Crytek.

RealTime Immersive has leased space in Avalon Park, where they intend to take advantage of their new headquarter location's proximity to UCF to tap into the region's skilled technology workforce as they look to build the company in Metro Orlando.

Company CEO John Brooks indicates that the decision was made to locate the company here based on our region's established industry strengths in defense simulation, medical simulation and digital media. "Orlando's proximity to the joint military commands and the fact that I/ITSEC [major defense simulation industry conference] is held here every year were major contributing factors in our decision to locate in Orlando," says Brooks. "We determined that this was THE place to be."

The Metro Orlando EDC assisted RealTime Immersive with commercial real estate and other local resource needs. We look forward to watching this dynamic new company grow.

Already home to growing medical simulation technology, Orlando's 'medical city' at Lake Nona was recently selected as the national site for the Department of Veterans Affairs' Medical Simulation Center for Excellence.

The center, to be located at the new Orlando VA Medical Complex, will serve as the nationwide training and planning home for the VA's new medical simulation system, making our region the focal point for improved care and treatment of veterans across the country.

The Lake Nona site was selected for its unique collaborative environment and ability to partner with the surrounding UCF College of Medicine, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando and Nemours Children's Hospital.

Today kicks off the fifth annual OTRONICON - (O)rlando Elec(tron)ic (I)nteractive Entertainment (Con)vention - event at the Orlando Science Center.

A four day event, Otronicon is a celebration of interactive technology using video games to demonstrate the future of how we live, learn, work and play.

Otronicon spotlights Metro Orlando's growing digital media and simulation industries and helps introduce those industries to students throughout the region through several game design workshops taught by Full Sail University.

From the creation of simulated trauma patients used to train military medics, to virtual 3D people used to diagnose and treat patients, the place to be for some of the latest gaming and digital media technology for health and medical applications is Orlando, Florida.

Orlando is one of the top 12 clusters in the country for digital media, as well as one of only two cities in the world with a large-scale 'medical city' complex underway. The digital media and medical sectors are converging, bringing new innovations to life. Numerous people and organizations are leading the way.

* 360Ed has teamed up with the Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine to develop Burn Center, an interactive, 3D, game-based technology used to train medical professionals at trauma centers, hospitals and universities across the country. The purpose of the program is to improve the triage and care of critically injured victims of burn, bomb and blast disasters.

* To become better doctors, the new University of Central Florida College of Medicine is engaging its first class of medical school students in playing games. A web-based avatar program developed by UCF Assistant Professor David Segal is helping students learn how to properly evaluate and diagnose a variety of patient ailments. The digital patients can respond to questions, sneeze, cough, age and even call students in the middle of the night with an illness.

* Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. (ECS) developed a virtual world called Nexus to help first responders train and collaborate during natural disasters. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to train military medical professionals.

* Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing emergency medicine, disaster management, pre-hospital emergency care and public health by providing annual continuing medical education and research activities. Its 45-foot Mobile Simulation Lab (motor coach) trains emergency providers around the state. The Lab utilizes simulation technologies to train real lifesavers on everything from ER care, to pandemic flu, nerve agents, blast
injuries and more.

* Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) merges special effects with simulation technology at its Center for Injury Creation Science. Attracted to Metro Orlando because of the strength of the region's simulation and training industry combined with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, the company develops prosthetic tissue and wounds for medical training purposes, among several other focus areas. These prosthetics can be adhered to mannequins or human actors and create a
realistic training environment for combat medics or first responders.

The Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center (EMLRC) - a national non-profit organization headquartered in Orlando that is dedicated to promoting
public health - has developed a planning tool to help business owners and managers prepare their companies and employees for the impact of the H1N1 flu virus and other natural and man-made disasters. Titled the Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Plan, this tool was developed with small to medium-sized businesses in mind. It provides a brief but thorough process for thinking through strategies to handle impacts of a flu outbreak, or any other situation disruptive to standard business operations. To download the planning document, click here.

Founded in 1990 by the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, EMLRC provides continuing education and training to more than 5,000 EMS professionals each year. The company, a recognized leader in the growing field of medical simulation, also operates SimLab, one of the nation's first Mobile Simulation Laboratories which is designed to provide training in a simulated ER and ambulance environment on wheels. Below, CEO Beth Brunner explains what the company does and gives a tour of SimLab.

Students from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will have a new modeling and simulation post-bachelors program to choose from later this fall. This is good news for Metro Orlando, as it further bolsters our region as the nation's hub for the modeling, simulation and training industry.

The two-year, online Professional Science Master's program will have two components: UCF will offer 36 credit hours and Embry-Riddle, through its Worldwide Campus, will offer 18 credit hours toward the program. Graduates also qualify for Embry-Riddle's certificate in modeling and simulation management. Equivalent to an MBA for business majors, this curriculum will not only provide business education for science majors and enhanced training for our incumbent workforce, but is also designed to build close connections to the professional world through required internships and an industry advisory board that will help design the course offerings. As with every advancement that strengthens our skilled workforce, this is viewed as an important addition to the region's economic development arsenal.

The two universities designed the program for working professionals who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in this growing field. Most will pursue the degree as part-time students and the online format is perfect for this. Program graduates also qualify for Embry-Riddle's certificate in modeling and simulation management. Eventually, the collaborative program will produce 1,000 graduates to help fill positions in industries including biotechnology, environment and sustainability, forensic science, homeland security, health care and simulation.

Click here for more information.

There's Mosaic, Arcadian Broad and Drew Thomas Magic. If you're not familiar with these names, they're among the folks that made it to the Top 40 in the popular America's Got Talent show. They have something else in common. They all come from a city where creative talent is building ... and in the eyes of Richard Florida (of the popular 'Creative Class' theory), that's one of the key ingredients to economic competitiveness, transformation and innovation.

Orlando, Florida, has become a place where creative talent is flowing and in multiple industries. The region, long known as an entertainment destination, has transformed into a technology hub that's entertaining company leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, workers and young minds alike. Here are some reasons why:

This week, Orlando welcomed its inaugural class of 41 med students at the University of Central Florida's (UCF) new College of Medicine -- the first medical school in U.S. history to offer full, four-year scholarships to an entire class. The new college is one anchor in a new 'medical city' underway - one of only two such developments happening in the world right now. It's joined by the recently opened East Coast hub for The Burnham Institute for Medical Research, and forthcoming openings of the University of Florida Research Facility, Veterans Affairs Hospital, M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Institute and Nemours Children's Hospital. Economic analysts predict that by year 10 of operation, the world's newest life sciences cluster here could create 30,000 jobs and $7.6 billion economic activity.

At UCF, research and patents are on the rise. UCF, now the fifth largest university in the nation, has seen research funding (and subsequent lab space) grow exponentially in the past decade, from $37.5 million in 1999 to the new record high of $122.8 million in 2008. Additionally, UCF's patent portfolio was ranked in the top 10 of 122 universities in the U.S.

Inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs are thriving here. New drugs, therapies and vaccines are being developed ... one scientist is genetically modifying lettuce heads to produce insulin in the quest to develop a cure for diabetes. An entrepreneur has developed ultra-portable personal air-conditioners for military personnel. Another is developing advanced micro-batteries for use in medical, alternative energy and other applications. In addition, the number of incubators has grown rapidly here, opening the door to more entrepreneurs.

A new Photonics Academy was created at a local high school in partnership with Northrop Grumman to encourage student interest in the laser/photonics field. This new academy joins others already in existence, including one focusing on simulation (an industry with a top-ranked cluster in Orlando).

Nation-leading digital media schools in Orlando-- Full Sail University and UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy -- continue to see enrollment grow in this burgeoning field.

Entrepreneur Magazine recently recognized Orlando as one of best places to start a business. Forbes recently recognized Orlando one of best cities for tech jobs. And Next Generation Consulting ranked Orlando as a top hot spot for young professionals.

Signs of economic development success have been seen on many fronts the past couple of weeks. Here is a round up of images reflecting some of the highlights.

Game Launched
Florida Governor Charlie Crist got an up-close look at our region's booming digital media industry. He visited Electronic Arts' (EA) Tiburon (pictured above) in Maitland - getting a preview of EA's highly-anticipated NCAA Football 10, which was released last week; the University of Central Florida's (UCF) Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando - chatting with students and visiting the House of Moves motion capture studio; and the Employ Florida Digital Media Banner Center located at Seminole Community College's Center for Economic Development in Heathrow.

Dirt Flew
New ground was broken at the Central Florida Research Park recently, as representatives from the University of Central Florida, Florida Legislature and Orlando-based military commands gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the Partnership III building. When complete in fall 2010, this building will be shared by UCF and the military, and home to the UCF Institute for Simulation & Training. It will also be "green"; as Partnership III is designed to meet at least the silver level of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. To watch the UCF Reports YouTube video on the project, click here.

Film Wrapped
DNP Studios wrapped production on the feature film Letters to God, scheduled for release in early 2010. The film, which employed over 100 local crew and talent, was shot at multiple locations in Orlando, including Universal Studios Florida, Winter Garden and Kissimmee. The EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission assisted with scouting, permitting and other support services.

Digital media industry leaders, including the EDC's vice president of technology and entertainment Suzy Spang, recently gathered at Digital Media Alliance of Florida's (DMAF) quarterly Digital Media Seminar (DiMeNar) hosted by Full Sail University to discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry and their impacts on Florida's digital media businesses and professionals.

The result of the discussion? Florida is clearly ahead of the "game" when it comes to digital media and the Metro Orlando region is on path to our goal of "world domination" in this industry sector! Already a leader in digital media, Metro Orlando is home to industry resources such as DMAF and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media. In addition, companies such as Electronic Arts (EA) Tiburon, n-Space, and Helios Interactive - a full-service game development studio and 3D software technology company - call Orlando home.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was also on hand at DiMeNar to kick off the international product launch of Helios Interactive's flagship product, GameCore 2.0. This new technology is designed to create full 3D games, virtual worlds and other interactive 3D content without the traditional barriers of complex technology, programming expertise and high development cost. It is thought that this product could revolutionize the 3D game and simulation industry.

Helios' launch is a sign of the ongoing evolution of Orlando as THE place for digital media companies.

From the creation of simulated trauma patients used to train military medics, to virtual 3D people used to diagnose and treat patients, the place to be for some of the latest gaming and digital media technology for health and medical applications is Orlando, Florida.

Orlando is one of the top 12 clusters in the country for digital media, as well as one of only two cities in the world with a large-scale 'medical city' complex underway. The digital media and medical sectors are converging, bringing new innovations to life. Numerous people and organizations are leading the way.

360Ed has teamed up with the Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine to develop Burn Center, an interactive, 3D, game-based technology used to train medical professionals at trauma centers, hospitals and universities across the country. The purpose of the program is to improve the triage and care of critically injured victims of burn, bomb and blast disasters.

Virtual Reality Medical Center - Orlando (VRMC) develops and uses computer-generated simulations and other special effects to treat clients with panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobia. VRMC has partnered with the University of Central Florida to create a virtual game (featuring flying, smash-able insects) to aid stroke survivors in expanding their range of movement.

To become better doctors, the new University of Central Florida College of Medicine will engage its first class of medical school students in playing games. A web-based avatar program developed by UCF Assistant Professor David Segal will help students learn how to properly evaluate and diagnose a variety of patient ailments. The digital patients can respond to questions, sneeze, cough, age and even call students in the middle of the night with an illness.

Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. (ECS) developed a virtual world called Nexus to help first responders train and collaborate during natural disasters. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to train military medical professionals.

GeoMotion Group is dedicated to being an innovative fitness leader. Its goal is to meet the training needs of individuals and groups, for all fitness levels and for any age. Two innovative products, the GeoMat and the GeoFloat were created to meet this goal. Used in elementary, middle and high schools, the GeoMat is used to teach locomotor moves, number recognition, number sequencing and math problem solving using a variety of activities and aids. The GeoFloat is used for exercising in water and works the core and stabilization muscles more effectively than other existing products.

Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing emergency medicine, disaster management, prehospital emergency care and public health by providing annual continuing medical education and research activities. Its 45-foot Mobile Simulation Lab (motor coach) trains emergency providers around the state. The Lab utilizes simulation technologies to train real lifesavers on everything from ER care, to pandemic flu, nerve agents, blast injuries and more.

Orlando-based Emergency Medicine Learning Resource Center (EMLRC) provides pre-hospital emergency care providers with the medical training necessary for disaster situations. The company's Mobile Emergency Simulation Lab (SimLab) is a motor coach designed to resemble a simulated ER and ambulance, allowing first responders to train in a realistic environment. This training prepares first responders for disaster situations they may encounter.



Inside the training center are responsive mannequins that act out real world injuries and illnesses. The simulation lab is on the road five days a week visiting hospitals, EMS agencies and fire departments. EMLRC is the first mobile simulation lab in the country.



Watch Beth Brunner, CEO of EMLRC give a tour of the SimLab.

Digimation, a provider of 3D content and related services to the entertainment and defense industries, will relocate their headquarters from St. Rose, Louisiana to Metro Orlando.

The company's headquarters location will result in 30 new jobs; will generate $750,000 in capital investment; and will lease over 4,000 square feet of space on International Parkway in Heathrow/Lake Mary.

Digimation's first two new hires are already operating here and the team will complete their relocation to Metro Orlando in March 2009.

Companies and government agencies alike are all looking to cut costs right now. However, they don't want to sacrifice training for employees. The solution? Using virtual worlds for training purposes.

Virtual worlds provide a safe, secure and private training environment while reducing expenses incurred from traveling for conferences and other training.

Here is what three companies in Orlando are doing:

Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) is in the process of designing a new virtual classroom which utilizes avatars for instructional delivery that will provide the Department of Homeland Security online/virtual world with 3D secure social network capabilities for training and education. Previously, ECS provided the National Guard Bureau will a virtual world called Nexus. And under a new contract with U.S. Army's RDECOM, ECS will adapt its Nexus virtual world program to train military medical professionals.

Forterra Systems, Inc builds distributed virtual world technology for defense, homeland security, medical, corporate training and education industries. The company's On-Line Interactive Virtual Environment (OLIVE) technology provides private, service-oriented virtual worlds for global collaboration, training, simulation and planning.

Lockheed Martin has created Virtual World Labs to shape the future of training with the creation of collaborative simulation learning and data visualization solutions for government, military and corporate sectors. The company utilizes tools that enable it to modify the virtual world capabilities to the customer's needs and to maximize human potential. The company's UltiSim platform can be used to develop rules-based learning scenarios, as well as true non-linear simulations using high-fidelity dynamic/physics based models.