June’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to brothers Zayyan and Imran Ahmed to support the development of a mystery escape room and augmented reality photo booth called Soul Cave.

“Inspired by The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Plato’s Cavern,” explains Zayyan, “I want to create a space you can visit that will transform the way you see the world.”

“From the moment you enter Soul Cave, you will be presented with choices. The things you pick up, the things you touch, the spots you gravitate to. These choices will morph and transform the space around you. The walls may sparkle with diamonds to match your desire for wealth,” he explains, “or the mirror may transform you into a deer to signify your connection with nature.”

Soul Cave will use projection mapping, a one-way “magic” mirror, and “internet of things” materials to take the experience of both escape rooms and photo booths to a new level. “As the mystery of the cave unfolds,” Zayyan continues, “you will solve visual, logic, and environmental puzzles to clarify the images in the mirror. At the end, you will be rewarded with an image of yourself that represents the truths that you have uncovered during your journey.”

Zayyan, who is a product designer, and Imran, who is an engineering student, plan to launch Soul Cave by September, and will tour it around Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. You can sign up for early access at tryesper.com.