ST Engineering Antycip launches North Africa’s first VR CAVE in Zarzis, Tunisia

The Zarzis Smart Centre is now home to North Africa’s first VR CAVE, a cutting-edge visualisation facility delivered by ST Engineering Antycip set to transform the region’s technological landscape.

Paris (France), 8 October 2024 – ST Engineering Antycip (Antycip), Europe’s leading provider of cutting-edge simulation and virtual-reality solutions, has delivered North Africa’s first-ever VR CAVE at the Zarzis Smart Centre, located within the Zarzis Business Park in south-eastern Tunisia. This innovative project positions Zarzis as a key player in advanced technological development and sets a new benchmark for virtual reality installations in the region.

The VR CAVE is set to enhance Zarzis’ role as a major technology hub, providing international businesses and professionals with state-of-the-art tools for prototyping, specialised training, and 3D modelling across sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, medicine, architecture, and oil and gas. This installation will drive innovation and improve the competitiveness of regional and international businesses.

Chaouki Friaa, president and CEO of Zarzis Business Park, emphasises the broader impact of the CAVE on the local community: "This VR CAVE will provide a unique, immersive space that will attract residents of all ages, strengthening social bonds within the community. It will also serve as a powerful tool for education, offering immersive simulations for practical learning across a wide range of fields." He adds: "By introducing this advanced technology, we aim to inspire innovation and encourage younger generations to engage with careers in technology and creativity."

The CAVE will also be accessible to educational institutions across Tunisia, including primary and secondary schools, universities, and training centres. This facility is expected to enrich educational programmes by providing students with hands-on, technology-driven learning opportunities that foster practical skills and innovation.

Technologically, the CAVE features three high-performance Barco F80 projectors, projecting onto three 2.4-metre × 3-metre screens at a resolution of 4,800 × 2,000 pixels. Powered by Techviz’s advanced 3D visualisation software, the system enables seamless immersive experiences for real-time simulation, prototyping, and collaborative design. Equipped with a four-camera tracking system and 70 pairs of 3D glasses, it offers full immersion and real-time interaction. The CAVE can also double as a 2D and 3D cinema for various entertainment and professional applications.

The applications for this technology are broad, with uses in gaming, education, architecture, tourism, and more. The response from early users has been highly positive, praising the CAVE for its potential to improve efficiency, safety, and creativity. “We are extremely proud to have delivered the first CAVE in North Africa,” says Johan Besnainou, director, France, of ST Engineering Antycip. “This project is a significant milestone for Antycip, and we are excited to see the transformative impact it will have on the region.”

The introduction of this technology is expected to attract international investors and boost Zarzis Business Park’s appeal. In response to growing demand, the park has announced a 4,500m² expansion to the Zarzis Smart Centre, further establishing the region as a driver of technological progress.

As the first VR CAVE in Tunisia and only the second in Africa, the Zarzis installation places the region at the forefront of innovation and positions it as a hub for international collaboration.

*****

Media contacts: Anaïs Tarbi
European Marketing Manager
ST Engineering Antycip
anais.tarbi@steantycip.com

Alexis Lipoff
Media Relations ST Engineering Antycip
3WM Communications Ltd
alexis@3wmcomms.com