Alongside the hackathon, the first EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference was held, envisioned as a 'Davos of the spatial tech industry'. Sponsored by IEEE Spectrum, Qualcomm, and Distance Technologies, the conference focused on deeptech research and featured company launches, including Limit Labs' RoomSeed and Haptikos' hand exoskeleton. The event aimed to extend the Reality Hack's focus beyond hacking, promoting creator economies and inclusive technology. Keynote speakers and panels discussed the XR industry's state and its role in sustainable global initiatives. The conference emphasized the importance of diverse XR experiences to achieve mainstream adoption.
Key takeaways:
- The MIT Reality Hack hackathon has become a significant event for XR developers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast, expanding with the EXPERIENTIAL Conference for industry discussion and networking.
- This year's hackathon featured new hardware kits, including MEMS-based AR lenses, a haptic exoskeleton, and neurosensing gear, leading to 78 innovative XR applications.
- The EXPERIENTIAL Conference, held alongside the hackathon, featured company launches and discussions on deeptech, learning innovation, and global development, with a focus on extending Reality Hack's inclusive technology mission.
- Keynote speakers and panelists at the conference highlighted the importance of XR and AI synergy, sustainable future initiatives, and the need for diverse spatial experiences to drive the mainstream adoption of XR technology.