Creative Technologies Inc. (CTI) is a small, woman-owned business founded in 2006, specializing in the development of immersive, cognitive simulation solutions for government and industry sectors. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, CTI leverages the talents and technology of the entertainment industry to create innovative training applications. The company's mission is to conceive, design, and deliver novel simulation capabilities that enhance training effectiveness through virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and augmented virtuality.
CTI focuses on developing immersive training applications across various platforms, including desktop, location-based, transportable, and mobile systems. Their strategic objectives include advancing cognitive simulation technologies and integrating them into defense and space manufacturing industries. By utilizing cutting-edge VR and AR technologies, CTI aims to provide realistic and effective training solutions tailored to the needs of military and industrial clients.
As a privately held company, specific financial details and funding history for CTI are not publicly disclosed. However, the company has engaged in projects funded under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, such as the development of an immersive maintenance trainer for the Office of Naval Research.
CTI has developed several key projects, including:
- MISSING – Cognitive Bias Training Games: Designed to help users make better decisions by mitigating cognitive biases, initially developed for U.S. intelligence analysts and now utilized by businesses and universities.
- SQQ-89 Gamification Capability: Enhancing the U.S. Navy's AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 anti-submarine warfare system through gamification to improve training effectiveness.
- Next Generation of Maintenance Trainer: An immersive training solution developed under the SBIR program for the Office of Naval Research, focusing on advanced maintenance training.
CTI's technological platform is distinguished by its integration of VR, AR, and augmented virtuality to create immersive training environments. The company employs proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies, including cognitive simulation and gamification, to enhance learning outcomes. Notably, CTI's "MISSING" game utilizes serious gaming techniques to mitigate cognitive biases, demonstrating the company's innovative approach to training solutions.
Leadership Team:
- James Korris – President & CEO: A pioneer in game-based simulation for military training, Korris served as Creative Director of the U.S. Army's virtual reality institute from 1999 to 2006. He holds a BA from Yale and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.
- Stephanie Granato – COO and General Counsel: Co-founder of CTI, Granato has managed numerous projects and holds a law degree from Yale Law School. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut.
- Dr. Jim Blake – Senior Advisor: Former Program Executive Officer for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation, Dr. Blake brings extensive experience in military simulation and training. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Duke University.
- Todd Paulsen – Senior Analyst and Director of Training: With over 15 years of experience as a military instructor, Paulsen specializes in intelligence, combat infantry, and fire support. He earned his BA in Biochemistry from Occidental College and an MS in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College.
- Dr. Alexander Mantzaris – Director of Data Sciences: A Ph.D. statistician and data scientist with over 60 peer-reviewed publications in AI and machine learning, Dr. Mantzaris holds a faculty appointment at the University of Central Florida.
- Travis Falstad – Director of VR Development: With over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and learning innovation, Falstad has led teams in developing VR-based training modules and AI research prototypes.
CTI operates in a competitive landscape that includes companies specializing in cognitive simulation and immersive training solutions. Notable competitors include:
- Bastion Technologies: Provides technology and engineering solutions, focusing on aerospace and defense sectors.
- ESI Group: Designs and develops virtual prototyping software for various industries, including defense.
- Monte Sano Research: Offers system engineering solutions for the defense industry.
- Information Visualization and Innovative Research (IVIR): Specializes in information visualization technologies for military and civilian markets.
CTI has established significant collaborations to enhance its market position and innovation capacity. For instance, the company developed the "MISSING" cognitive bias training game for U.S. intelligence analysts, which has been adopted by businesses and universities, showcasing CTI's ability to create impactful training solutions.
CTI's strategic roadmap focuses on expanding its immersive training solutions and cognitive simulation technologies. By leveraging its expertise in VR and AR, the company aims to address evolving training needs in defense and industrial sectors. CTI's commitment to innovation positions it to capitalize on emerging opportunities in immersive training and simulation.
Contact Information:
- Website: www.cretecinc.com
- Social Media:
- LinkedIn: Creative Technologies Inc.
- Twitter: @CretecInc
- Facebook: Creative Technologies Inc.
CTI continues to innovate in the field of immersive training solutions, leveraging advanced technologies to meet the complex needs of its clients in government and industry sectors.
