Meta, Facebook’s parent company in conjunction with Imisi 3D and Black Rhino has opened applications for training and hackathon in a programme dubbed AR/VR Africa Metathon.
The program aims to support African talent-building solutions using XR (Extended Reality) a rapidly growing technology under which Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality(VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and similar applications are found.
Technologies such as AR and VR use computer-generated simulations to create a three-dimensional image or environment that’s very close to the real world. Currently, most VR environments are experienced through specially-designed headsets, while AR can be extended into phones, tablets and other gadgets.
The program by Meta, Imisi 3D and Black Rhino aims to support developers building solutions using these technologies. It will take place physically across 16 countries in Africa while the virtual version will be open to everyone.
Phil Oduor, Policy Programs Lead for Africa at Meta says, “The AR/VR Africa Metathon is an opportunity to demonstrate how artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality technologies that have been around for decades, are core to the future of the metaverse and what Africans are building in the industry.”
Mr. Oduor further said that Meta is investing $50 million over the course of two years to enable investments into programs and external research. It’s one way to help build the company’s futuristic metaverse world.
“Through this fund, we are collaborating with industry partners, civil rights groups, governments, nonprofits and academic institutions to determine how to build these technologies responsibly. “
Judith Okonkwo, Founder Imisi 3D & AR/VR Africa said, At this time of intense global interest in the Metaverse, our mission remains the same – increasing access to XR resources on the continent, accelerating XR talent, showcasing African XR solutions and creating pathways for careers and industry.”
All developers, programmers, UI/UX designers, artists, animators, storytellers, professionals and students interested in participating can register here.
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