Alumna-led startup partners with Intel

Posted on January 07, 2016 by Staff Writer

On Wednesday, virtual reality startup IonVR — founded by Sweet Briar alumna Brooke Linville ’04 and spouse Dan Thurber — announced a partnership with Intel Technology, according to the Idaho Statesman.


Thurber and Linville show off IonVR's headset. Image courtesy of IonVR. Thurber and Linville show off IonVR’s headset. Image courtesy of IonVR.


The Boise-based couple is at CES in Las Vegas this week to present their mobile headset, which landed them Innovation Award Honors in two categories: Gaming and Virtual Reality, and Wireless Handset Accessories. The headset, developed by Thurber, lets users plug in their smartphone or tablet and strap into immersive games or other virtual-reality applications.

“The IonVR and Intel teams have worked hard for the past few months to bring this experience to CES,” Linville wrote in an email. “We are so excited by the collaborative work and look forward to the innovative possibilities with this Intel partnership.”

As IonVR’s CEO, Linville works to “build the brand for the mobile virtual reality headset, including helping consumers understand the importance of optics and quality in virtual reality [head-mounted displays],” according to the company’s website. She also has published on various topics in technology, including cybersecurity and building a brand online.

Although Linville attended Sweet Briar for only two years, she has remained a close ally over the years. Following the College’s closure announcement in March, Linville launched savingsweetbriar.com, which was integral to the fundraising and awareness campaign that ultimately reversed the board’s decision and kept Sweet Briar open.

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