The Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem launched its new ToD Innovation Lab program in October. The ToD Innovation Lab specialises in the integration, piloting and development of tech solutions that support and enhance the visitor experience.
As of 1 January, 2018, the ToD Innovation Lab will offer a workspace, equipment and a real-time beta site for startups and industry leaders, providing content and support, all within the magnificent historic citadel.
The Lab will actively connect developers, entrepreneurs, startups and corporations to the museum/national heritage site world, delivering content to the developers while simultaneously offering visitors to the Tower of David Museum the opportunity to experiment with the different projects sponsored by the lab in real time.
The Lab has an AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) focus, so visitors will soon be able to don headsets such as the Samsung Gear + Galaxy, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Google Daydream View + Pixel and Rideon headsets and, for example, be transported into the world of knights and peasants in the Middle Ages in the Citadel, or to experience generally closed-to-the-public places in the Old City whilst sitting among the ancient stones of the citadel.
The ToD Innovation Lab believes that technology is the key to telling the story, in order to engage, educate and impact visitors worldwide. The Lab will also have an inclusion component to help enhance the visitor experience for populations with special needs through tech solutions.