A building along South Fifth Avenue in West Reading catches the eye with its bold decorations and the name “NeoPangea” displayed across the front. Upon stepping inside, it’s like entering another world—from the custom office pods with immaculately designed themes, inspired by Indiana Jones or Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, to the research projects present and on display; it is a fusion of technology and artistry where innovation and imagination collide. This is the home of NeoPangea, a digital creative agency pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the modern age.
The Art of Innovation
NeoPangea has built a reputation for transforming the way people interact with digital experiences. From interactive exhibits and game-based learning tools to augmented and virtual reality applications, the company thrives on pushing creative and technological boundaries.
“Innovation means never getting too comfortable. If we see a tech trend emerging, we don’t just adopt it—we challenge ourselves to use it in a way no one else has,” Emily Rhinehart, NeoPangea’s Director of Client Strategy, said.
This philosophy has led to projects across education, entertainment and beyond. One notable example is their work with Harry Potter: The ExhibitionTM, where they were part of the team that developed an immersive exhibit incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Visitors receive a wristband that interacts with the media, creating a personalized journey through the experience.
“RFID Technology has been around for years, in our phones, in our watches and our credit cards, and we see enormous benefits utilizing it in the experiential space.” Rhinehart said. “When you attend Harry Potter: The Exhibition TM, you register at a kiosk and receive a custom RFID bracelet. As you move through the exhibit, every interactive encountered greets you by name.”
Embracing Risk and Experimentation
At the core of NeoPangea’s success is a willingness to take calculated risks. According to Rhinehart, their most innovative projects often begin with a simple question: “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?”
“Some of our most successful projects started as wild ideas that, at first, didn’t seem feasible,” she said. “We believe in experimentation, in embracing the unknown. If you’re not failing occasionally, you’re not really innovating..”
This mindset has allowed NeoPangea to lead in immersive storytelling, using cutting-edge technology to blend physical and digital realities. From Augmented Reality for National Geographic to interactive installations for The Franklin Institute, to a two-player Virtual Reality experience at The Kennedy Space Center, the company continues to redefine audience engagement. NeoPangea has also worked on several local projects.Most notably the ‘Nefrina’ Hologram exhibit at Reading Public Museum, as well as a current project with Berks History Center assisting with their Master Plan to update the storytelling throughout the entire museum.
Technology as a Storytelling Tool
For NeoPangea, technology is not just a tool—it’s an integral part of the storytelling process. Rhinehart emphasized that innovation means using technology meaningfully, not just chasing trends.
“We don’t just throw technology at a problem and hope it works,” she said. “Every decision we make is driven by the story we want to tell or the experience we want to create. The tech serves the vision, not the other way around. And really excellent tech solutions are hidden expertly so that a visitor is more focused on the story itself than on how it’s delivered.”
Their work with RFID not only enhances interaction but also improves accessibility. Personalized accommodations can be embedded into these systems, ensuring that all users have an inclusive experience tailored to their needs.
Features like high-contrast text and captions support visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
“RFID technology has the capability to serve up an experience tailored to the unique needs of the visitor,” Rhinehart said. “I think I can speak for everyone on the team to say, we’re so passionate about accessibility, and we want to harness technology to create the best experiences for everyone.”
Collaboration and Creative Synergy
Beyond technology, NeoPangea thrives on a culture of collaboration. The company’s greatest successes stem from a team of diverse minds working together to bring ambitious ideas to life.
“We’re lucky to have a team of brilliant minds who all bring something different to the table,” Rhinehart said. “Everyone has a unique perspective and that diversity of thought is what fuels our creativity.”
NeoPangea’s cross-disciplinary approach results in experiences that are both innovative and immersive. Whether working with museums, media companies, commercial architects, or educational institutions, NeoPangea leverages interdisciplinary expertise to craft unique, immersive experiences.
The Future of Innovation
Looking ahead, Rhinehart sees endless potential for evolution. NeoPangea is exploring advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning and spatial computing. But amidst the evolution of technology, their guiding principle remains: challenge the norm and push creative boundaries.
“Technology will always change, but our core philosophy remains the same—never stop experimenting, never stop pushing,” Rhinehart said. “We’re constantly evolving, and that’s what makes this work so exciting and fulfilling.”
With a growing portfolio of innovative projects, NeoPangea is redefining the future of digital storytelling. As they continue to break new ground, their influence on the industry is undeniable, ensuring a future that is more interactive, immersive and boundary-pushing than ever before.
