Barry "Hawkie" Haughey is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and immersive technology consultant with over 20 years' experience across education, youth work, and the creative industries, and a 30-year ongoing artistic practice. He is the founder of HoloGen, an Ireland-based consultancy supporting professionals and organisations to engage confidently with emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive media.

Hawkie specialises in inclusive, future-focused programmes that blend creativity and technology for social impact. His work includes international collaborations, digital education pilots, and training initiatives funded by Meta’s Immersive Learning Programme, the UK National Lottery, and Erasmus+. As a facilitator and speaker, he delivers practical, innovative workshops on XR, creative AI, and digital learning.

Whether through AI storytelling, virtual graffiti, or youth-led VR programmes, Hawkie empowers others to explore and shape the future of education, creativity, and community engagement.

  • HoloGen provided expert guidance throughout my EdTech startup journey, from product validation using VR to building our MVP with AI-driven role-play tools. Barry's rare blend of creativity and technical insight made him an invaluable partner

    EdTech Founder, UK/Ireland

  • Working with Barry has been a total privilege. His depth of knowledge of how VR can be applied to social care and other settings is extremely comprehensive. He has guided us through every step of the process of setting up a VR project. He has a real understanding of both youth work and immersive technologies and his passion for the work is infectious.

    EPIC Ireland

  • Barry and his colleagues designed a simple and practical working model to bring my business into the VR marketplace. Now I can say “obviously VR will impact on all our lives just as e-commerce has done over the past 30-years.” Having a ‘Virtual Reality’ presence is essential, HoloGen indispensable.

    The Dog Internet, Ireland

  • Barry delivered 4 online sessions introducing us to VR opportunities. He also created Cities of Learning space on AltSpace and facilitated 3 VR sessions with our participants. Barry is a VR learning and training expert.

    Cities of Learning Project Lithuania

  • Barry is a wealth of knowledge in the realm of virtual reality, and how it relates with youth programming. Through his guidance, we’ve been able to develop a VR model for afterschool programs across the globe, which includes ongoing professional development for educators, youth-focused activities, and the global distribution of 400 Meta Quest 2s across 19 countries.

    Technology Clubhouse Manager, USA

  • Barry is a creative force at the intersection of people and technology. A true ideas machine with a rare depth of care and insight.

    Founder, Creative & Immersive Lead, Ireland

  • Barry is a passionate advocate for using VR to empower young people. His deep knowledge, client-focused approach, and future-facing insight make him a supportive and inspiring collaborator.

    Digital Youth Work Lead, UK

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