TechTonic: Innovation in AR, AI & 3D

Join Dorset’s digital and tech community for an evening exploring how AI, AR, and 3D technologies are being built from the ground up — and how they’re reshaping both industry and interactive design.

This month’s TechTonic welcomes two innovators using technology to push boundaries in very different ways — from aerospace to game development.

Elaine Harding (Augment Aero) and Denis Pickering (Denix Studio) will share real-world experiences of developing, deploying, and integrating advanced technology — from AI-powered AR systems in aerospace maintenance to building entirely new 3D game engines.

What you’ll learn

• How AR and AI are being combined to improve efficiency and safety in aerospace maintenance
• The process of developing and deploying AR technologies in real-world industrial settings
• What’s involved in building a 3D game engine from scratch
• The shared technical and creative challenges between aerospace and game development
• Lessons on innovation, iteration, and bringing new ideas from prototype to reality

Who’s it for

Developers, engineers, digital entrepreneurs, and rising stars — anyone curious about how advanced 3D and AR technologies are reshaping the way we build, design, and experience the world around us.

Community, pizza & real talk

TechTonic is where Dorset’s digital and technical community comes together to learn, share, and connect.
Come for the talks, stay for the pizza and conversation — it’s open, relaxed, and built for collaboration.

Free pizza, drinks, and networking included.

Speakers

Elaine Harding — Founder & CEO, Augment Aero
Talk: AR Meets AI: Innovating Maintenance in Aerospace
Elaine will discuss how Augment Aero is developing new AR technologies that integrate AI to enhance aircraft inspection, improve accuracy, and reduce maintenance downtime. She’ll explore the journey of building advanced tools for use in highly regulated, safety-critical environments.

Denis Pickering — Founder, Denix Studio
Talk: Inside the Engine: Building 3D Technology from the Ground Up
Denis will share his experience developing a custom game engine and gameplay testing tools — offering a look at the engineering and creativity behind modern interactive systems, and what it takes to build something entirely new.

Hosted by
Silicon South Champion, Dan Griffiths
With support from the School of Computing and Engineering

Free to attend – spaces are limited – bring your laptop!