I started HoloGen because I believe technology should serve people — not the other way around. After more than two decades working across education, youth work, and the creative sector, I kept seeing the same gap: powerful emerging technologies that weren't reaching the people who needed them most. HoloGen exists to close that gap.

My work sits at the intersection of creativity, immersive technology, and social impact. Whether I'm designing a VR programme for isolated young people in rural Ireland, training educators in Finland, or consulting with an EdTech startup in the UK, the question I always start with is the same — what difference does this actually make to real people?

I'm the founder of HoloGen, an Ireland-based consultancy helping organisations and professionals explore, adopt, and innovate with emerging technologies including XR, AI, and immersive digital media. I'm also the creator of the Virtual Youth Engagement Framework (VYEF) — a structured, values-led model for delivering meaningful youth work in virtual and immersive environments, now in its fifth year of active delivery across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US.

My programmes are built on over two decades of hands-on experience across education, youth work, and the creative sector, grounded in a 30-year artistic practice. I've led international collaborations and training initiatives supported by Meta's Immersive Learning Programme, the UK National Lottery, and Erasmus+. Early HoloGen programmes were also recognised with a Rethink Ireland Scaling Education Fund award — one of Ireland's most competitive education funding programmes — validating the model and approach at national level.

I speak and deliver workshops at events, conferences, and institutions across the globe — from international XR and emerging technology gatherings to youth work networks, creative organisations, and academic settings. My talks cover immersive learning, creative AI, digital youth work, and the ethical use of emerging technology in education and social care.

Through a wide range of spatial, digital, and immersive programmes — from 3D creation and AI storytelling to game design, online safety, and youth-led XR projects — I work every day to help individuals and organisations 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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