IIT Madras is taking a bold step into the future of technology with the launch of its XTIC-APP (Academic Partnership Program), aimed at propelling India’s eXtended Reality (XR) sector. This initiative, unveiled during the XR Summit on November 16-17, focuses on fostering talent, boosting startups, and enhancing global collaboration in immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
The XR Summit gathered prominent academic leaders, including Vice Chancellors and Principals from various institutions, who formalized their commitment to this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As Prof. M. Manivannan, Head of the Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC), highlighted, “This summit is a crucial milestone towards building a skilled workforce of XR designers and developers, aligned with India’s Vikshit Bharat 2047 vision.” The program aims to bridge the gap between applied research and core development in XR, positioning itself as a vital component of India’s ambition to create an "XR Corridor" by 2047.
Key Highlights from the XR Summit
The summit showcased groundbreaking advancements in XR technology, including the launch of India’s inaugural ‘Game Jam’ focused on XR readiness. This event featured hands-on demonstrations of XR devices and explored gamified metrics that drive XR adoption across various sectors. Presentations from industry experts highlighted innovations in XR hardware, immersive design, and gamification, underscoring how XR is revolutionizing multiple industries. The event also emphasized partnerships with major players like Qualcomm, Sony, and Samsung, showcasing the collaborative spirit driving this initiative.
Building a Robust XR Ecosystem in India
The XTIC-APP aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for advancing India’s XR landscape by integrating AI and gaming technologies, enhancing interoperability standards, and fostering global collaborations. By leveraging AI and machine learning, the program seeks to deliver more personalized and responsive XR experiences. Additionally, XTIC plans to work with international standards bodies to develop compatibility solutions for diverse XR devices used worldwide.
With the XTIC-APP, IIT Madras is strategically positioned to elevate India’s XR sector by ensuring high-quality content creation and robust industry partnerships while cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to lead in immersive technology. This initiative represents a significant leap towards establishing a sustainable and impactful XR ecosystem in India.
Recognizing Excellence: The Inaugural XR Startup Awards
An exciting highlight of the summit will be the first-ever XR Startup Awards, presented by Steve LaValle, a renowned American computer scientist and Oculus VR co-inventor. These awards will celebrate innovative startups pushing the boundaries of XR across various sectors with categories including:
Top 10 XR Startups
International XR Startups
Best Use of AR in Marketing
Best Enterprise XR Solution
Best Collaboration in XR
And more!
Through the XTIC-APP and initiatives like the XR Summit, IIT Madras is not only advancing immersive technology but also fostering global collaboration that is essential for driving innovation in this rapidly evolving field. This commitment positions IIT Madras as a leader in shaping the future landscape of eXtended Reality in India.
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