Barry Haughey
Founder, Artist, Educator & Creative Technologist

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

Working in youth work and education since 2003, I’ve seen how much young people can achieve when they have the tools, encouragement and space to try their ideas.

HoloGen helps people move from consumers to creators of technology. I want young people to have opportunities to make things, question how technology works and shape it for themselves.

Through HoloGen, I work with young people, educators and organisations to create games, digital art, virtual worlds and stories using VR, AI, creative coding and 3D design. The sessions are practical, with time to experiment, ask questions and learn by making.

I also developed the Virtual Youth Engagement Framework (VYEF) to help organisations run safe, inclusive youth work in virtual spaces.

Experience & Recognition

My work brings together three decades of artistic practice and over 20 years in education and youth work. I design programmes, train teams and deliver workshops across Ireland and internationally.

Projects have received support from Meta’s Immersive Learning Programme, the UK National Lottery and Erasmus+. ARt Walls Ireland was selected for Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland’s Innovation in Storytelling Development Fund. Roblox Raising Producers was highly commended for the 2026 Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award.

What matters most to me is that people leave with something they’ve made, skills they can use and the confidence to keep going.

  • 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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