[AWE] "Spatial Computing is Humanity’s New Superpower"—An Exclusive Encounter with AWE Founder Ori Inbar

[Blue Economy News Exclusive] "Spatial Computing is Humanity’s New Superpower"—An Exclusive Encounter with AWE Founder Ori Inbar

Dr. Han Ko, Chairman of USAKO Group and Editor-in-Chief of Blue Economy News, Holds Exclusive Dialogue with Global XR Legend Ori Inbar at 'AWE 2026 Long Beach'

Highlighting how spatial computing eliminates material waste, slashes carbon footprints, and serves as an inspiring blueprint for South Korea's roaring startup ecosystem.

[Blue Economy News = Long Beach, California] At the vibrant heart of the global Extended Reality (XR) industry—Long Beach, California—a historic dialogue unfolded on the bustling floor of AWE (Augmented World Expo) 2026. Dr. Han Ko, Chairman of USAKO Group and Editor-in-Chief of Blue Economy News, sat down for an exclusive interview with Ori Inbar, the co-founder of AWE and a living legend in the spatial computing realm. The two visionaries mapped out the past, present, and sustainable future of the global XR industry.

▣ Who is Ori Inbar? The 'First Mover' and Global Connector of the XR Industry

Ori Inbar is a pioneer who has spearheaded spatial computing for over two decades by merging tech and media. After studying computer science and film at Tel Aviv University in Israel, he joined TopTier Software as an early member, which was acquired by SAP in 2001 for $400 million. He then served as Senior Vice President (SVP) at SAP, managing a $1 billion business unit.

Driven by entrepreneurial passion, Inbar co-founded Ogmento, an AR platform pioneer that laid the groundwork for Flyby Media (later acquired by Apple). To democratize the global metaverse ecosystem, he established AugmentedReality.org and founded AWE, now the world's largest XR conference. Today, as a founding partner of Super Ventures—the premier VC firm dedicated to XR—he acts as the ultimate industry 'connector,' orchestrating massive M&As of promising startups like Cimagine and Infinity AR to tech giants like Snap and Alibaba.

▣ [The Dialogue] USAKO Group Chairman x AWE Founder Ori Inbar

Dr. Han Ko (Blue Economy News / USAKO Group): Congratulations on the phenomenal success of AWE 2026. The energy here in Long Beach is absolutely electric. To begin, could you share AWE's core vision with our global readers and XR professionals?

Ori Inbar: Thank you for the warm welcome. AWE was founded with one clear, unwavering purpose: to democratize technologies that augment human capabilities. We started as a small, passionate gathering of pioneers, and today we have evolved into the ultimate global platform where tech titans and agile startups converge. Every year at AWE, we witness the sustainable future we once dreamed of transforming into immediate reality.

Dr. Han Ko: Your unique background—spanning Israeli roots, enterprise big tech at SAP, and cutting-edge VC investment—is truly remarkable. How has this diverse journey shaped the explosive growth of AWE?

Inbar: Israeli culture is fueled by Chutzpah—the audacity to challenge the status quo and a total fearlessness toward failure. Blending my enterprise experience at SAP with entrepreneurship at Ogmento and deep-tech investing at Super Ventures, my core compass has always been the belief that technology must elevate humanity. AWE is the organic result of connecting once-fragmented global pioneers into a unified, thriving ecosystem.

▣ "We are Witnessing Humanity’s Most Powerful Superpower"

Throughout AWE 2026, Inbar has captivated global audiences by framing spatial computing through the lens of human potential and sustainable development. During the interview, he reiterated this powerful philosophy:

"Spatial Computing is not just a passing tech trend; it is the most monumental paradigm shift in human history, succeeding the PC and the smartphone. We are living in an era where technology grants humanity 'superpowers.' By eliminating the constraints of physical distance and material resources, XR expands our vision, protects our environment, and maximizes human potential."

— Ori Inbar, Founder of AWE

From a Blue Economy perspective, this vision is profoundly vital. By replacing physical prototypes, resource-heavy corporate travel, and hazardous real-world industrial training with precise digital simulations, spatial computing naturally minimizes waste and eliminates carbon emissions. AWE 2026 has successfully proven that XR is one of humanity's finest "blue technologies," driving economic growth in perfect harmony with the planet.

▣ Looking Forward: A Catalyst for the Korean Startup Ecosystem

Concluding the dialogue, Dr. Han Ko remarked, "Speaking with Ori Inbar solidifies my conviction that the XR industry has entered an era of explosive, mature growth. The profound insights driving AWE will serve as a vital North Star for USAKO Group’s future tech investments and media directions."

Furthermore, Inbar’s legendary journey—from a bold startup founder to a global ecosystem builder—stands as an incredibly positive blueprint and source of inspiration for the seven Korean startups participating in AWE 2026 and the broader South Korean ICT market. With the combined public-private backing of NIPA and USAKO Group, the roaring momentum generated at AWE 2026 is poised to propel Korean tech innovators into a magnificent global leap forward.