IIT Madras launches National Academic XR partnership to drive VR and AR innovation

IIT Madras

The eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras is set to boost India’s extended reality (XR) ecosystem with the launch of a National Academic Partnership. Known as the XTIC Academic Partnership Program (XTIC-APP), this initiative will be officially unveiled during the XR Summit on November 17, 2024. The program aims to strengthen the XR industry in India by cultivating a highly-skilled workforce in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), supporting both local startups and academic institutions.

The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between applied research and core XR research, ultimately advancing India’s capacity to produce top-tier XR designers and developers for the global market. Leaders from prominent academic institutions across India will formalize their participation in this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the summit, underscoring a united approach to expanding XR-focused courses and research programs across the country.

Professor M. Manivannan, Head of XTIC at IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of collaborative academic efforts in establishing India as a global XR leader. "For India to achieve its vision of an XR Corridor by 2047, we must align academia with industry needs to create skilled XR professionals in both hardware and software," he said. "This XR Summit is a vital step toward realizing that vision."

One highlight of the summit is the first-ever "Game Jam" event, which will showcase advancements in XR technology with gamified demonstrations of XR devices, designed to illustrate the technology's potential across industries. Innovations in XR hardware, software, and immersive design will be displayed, with experts from the field of gamification contributing insights.

The summit’s agenda also includes a roadmap for developing India’s XR Corridor, focusing on integrating AI, machine learning, and gaming into XR to make virtual experiences more personalized and responsive. The center aims to establish standards and interoperability solutions with international organizations, ensuring XTIC remains compatible with diverse industries and devices. Additionally, through the CAVE industrial consortium, XTIC will connect content creators and developers worldwide to build a library of XR applications.

During the summit, the prestigious XR Startup Awards will be presented by Oculus VR co-inventor Steve LaValle, honoring pioneering startups in categories such as XR for Social Impact, Best Enterprise XR Solution, and XR Sustainability.

This strategic move by IIT Madras reflects India’s growing presence in the XR field and paves the way for future advancements that could position the nation as a hub for XR innovation and talent.