Presented in February 2024, OASIS srl is an innovative startup founded in May 2019 that develops digital platforms and virtual environments to promote and valorize global cultural heritage and tourism. Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 2018 film Ready Player One, where the metaverse game environment was called OASIS, the startup operates far beyond traditional web design and communications, applying advanced technologies including virtual and augmented reality, 360-degree photography and video, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and NFTs.
OASIS srl emerged as a spin-off of the Association bb.cc. Onlus, which has worked in the cultural heritage sector since 2002. The company is led by CEO and architect Luigi de Marchi and CTO Dr. Lorenzo Renzulli, both with twenty years of experience in digital technology applied to cultural and tourism heritage. The team comprises professionals dedicated to promoting art, culture, and local excellence while increasing tourist engagement.
Major Projects and Achievements
Since its launch, OASIS has undertaken substantial projects across Italy and internationally. In June 2020, the startup developed Heritage2Oasis (heritage2oasis.com) for the European Heritage Fairs Network (Herifairs), a unified operational platform designed to support prestigious fairs in conservation, restoration, and cultural heritage promotion across Europe. The platform emerged as a response to pandemic-related fair closures, offering innovative digital tools for managing and experiencing online events.
The startup won the Invitalia TOCC funding competition in October 2023 to further develop Heritage2Oasis. Other significant initiatives include the BeniCulturaliOnline platform (beniculturalionline.it) and its English-language equivalent CulturalHeritageOnline.com, which received the Palazzo Spinelli Award in October 2020 for research and development of new technologies applied to cultural heritage.
OASIS has partnered with prestigious institutions including the Salone dell’Arte e del Restauro in Florence, the Salone Internazionale del Restauro in Ferrara, and the Arte Laguna Prize exhibition in Venice. The startup has also created e-commerce platforms, marketplace solutions, and digital exhibitions for women entrepreneurs, artisans, and cultural organizations. Additional services include 360-degree virtual tours, 3D immersive galleries, and market analysis for sectors including green food, craftsmanship, and digital 3D applications.
Frequently asked questions
When was OASIS srl founded?
OASIS srl was founded in May 2019 as a spin-off of the Association bb.cc. Onlus, which had operated in the cultural heritage sector since 2002.
What technologies does OASIS use?
The startup applies virtual reality, augmented reality, 360-degree video and photography, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and NFTs to promote cultural heritage and tourism.
What major award has OASIS received?
In October 2020, OASIS was awarded the Palazzo Spinelli Award at its seventh edition for research and development of new technologies applied to cultural heritage, presented at the MAD space in Florence.