Prince George, B.C. – Students lined up for their chance to experience virtual reality and other high tech inventions on day one of the Mini Tech Expo at UNBC on Wednesday.

Students also tried their hands at 3D printing and touchless controllers but it was the virtual reality machine that created the most enthusiasm.

3D Printer courtesy Two Rivers Gallery

“It was crazy. It was super immersive,” said first-year biomed student Alex Benny. “I wasn’t expecting that. I was getting shot at and I was dodging. It was awesome.”

The expo is the result of a collaboration between UNBC and the Innovation Central Society (ICS).

“This is the next step of our partnership with UNBC in exploring how we can provide access to new technology and innovation amongst the student and faculty here at the university,” said ICS executive director Matt Hutcheon. “And so we thought a tech expo would be a fun way to provide some exposure to some of these things.”

He said the expo is also a way to try and raise awareness about the innovative things happening in Prince George.

“For sure. And if that starts to plant a seed for people to consider in terms of looking at career opportunities or entrepreneurial opportunities, understanding that there’s already some of this activity happening in the region, I think it’s important to help people to pursue that if they want.”

ICS’s Lakeysha O’Neill demonstrates how to use a touchless controller

Mark Barnes, assistant director in UNBC’s Office of Research, said the partnership is a great fit.

“I think we have a lot of young, innovative minds here at UNBC and we thought it would be a great opportunity to partner with ICS because this is really their specialty,” he said.

“It’s great to see a turnout so early in the event and this is one of four events so I’m hoping that the momentum will carry forward.”

If you’d like a chance to check out the Mini Tech Expo, the next session is next Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. There will also be another Monday November 28 from noon until 2 p.m. and one more on December 2 from 4-6 p.m. All sessions will take place in the Conference Centre (across from the Canfor Theatre), in Room 6212.