A man using a virtual reality headset, holding a controller in one hand, against a colorful abstract background with geometric shapes and wavy patterns.

Barry Haughey
Founder, Artist, Educator & Creative Technologist

I started HoloGen because I believe technology should serve people—not the other way around.

Since beginning my work in youth work and education in 2004, I have repeatedly seen the same gap: powerful emerging technologies advancing rapidly but too often failing to reach the people, communities and learning environments that could benefit from them most.

From Consumers to Creators

Access alone is not enough. Young people should not grow up surrounded by powerful technologies while being positioned only as users of systems designed by others.

They need opportunities to create, build, question, experiment and express their own ideas through technology.

HoloGen exists to close that gap—helping young people, educators and communities become active creators of technology and build creative futures.

I am the founder of HoloGen, an Ireland-based creative technology organisation designing and delivering hands-on programmes using XR, creative AI, game design, creative coding, 3D creation and immersive digital media.

Through these programmes, participants create games, digital art, virtual worlds, stories and new experiences of their own. They develop practical skills alongside the confidence and creative freedom to experiment, make decisions and shape technology for themselves.

My work sits at the intersection of creativity, emerging technology and social impact. Whether I am developing an immersive programme, training educators internationally or creating a new learning experience with partners, I begin with the same question:

What meaningful difference will this make to real people?

I am also the creator of the Virtual Youth Engagement Framework (VYEF), a structured, values-led model for meaningful youth work in virtual and immersive environments.

Experience & Recognition

HoloGen draws on my experience across youth work and education since 2004, underpinned by a 30-year multidisciplinary artistic practice.

My work has included creative learning programmes and international collaborations supported by Meta’s Immersive Learning Programme, the UK National Lottery and Erasmus+.

ARt Walls Ireland was selected for the Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland Innovation in Storytelling Development Fund. Roblox Raising Producers was shortlisted for the Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award at the 2026 Business to Arts Awards.

I also speak and deliver workshops internationally, exploring immersive learning, creative AI, digital youth work, online safety and the responsible use of emerging technology.

The goal is not simply to prepare people for a technological future. It is to give them the tools, confidence and creative freedom to question it, shape it and play an active part in building it.

  • 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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