IIT-M XTIC Research Centre to Organize First-ever International XR Symposium for Global South
The eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras is set to host the inaugural International XR Symposium focused on the Global South. Scheduled for November 28, 2025, this symposium aims to spotlight frugal innovations in hardware and software for technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
About the XTIC Research Centre
Established as India’s first research and product innovation centre dedicated to immersive technologies, the XTIC Research Centre specializes in VR, AR, Mixed Reality (MR), and haptics. The centre’s mission is to foster research and innovation by supporting academia, industry, and startups. It provides:
- Expert guidance
- Workshops
- Prototyping support
- Industry-academic collaborations
- Access to advanced lab facilities
Through these initiatives, XTIC aims to accelerate the translation of innovative ideas into market-ready products.
Symposium Theme and Focus
The theme of the symposium, “Frugal Tech Innovations Transforming Hardware and Software Solutions for XR in the Global South,” is particularly relevant as it addresses the need for cost-effective and scalable XR solutions tailored to the unique contexts of emerging economies. This theme aligns with India’s growing leadership role among Global South nations, especially in light of current geopolitical dynamics.
Why the Global South?
The Global South encompasses developing regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where there is a pressing demand for affordable technology solutions. By focusing on this demographic, the symposium aims to bridge the technological gap and foster innovation that can be effectively implemented in these regions.
Registration Details
Interested participants are encouraged to register before the deadline on November 28, 2025. Registration can be completed through the official symposium website: https://xtic.org/xr-symposium/.
Keynote Speakers and Organizers
The symposium will feature a lineup of global experts, innovators, researchers, and industry leaders. Notable organizers include:
- Steven LaValle (University of Oulu, Finland)
- Anna LaValle (University of Oulu, Finland)
- M. Manivannan (IIT Madras)
M. Manivannan, who serves as the Principal Investigator of XTIC, is also a faculty member in the Haptics Lab, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering at IIT Madras. His expertise will contribute significantly to the discussions and workshops at the symposium.
Importance of XR Technologies
Extended Reality (XR) technologies, which include AR, VR, and MR, have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment. By focusing on frugal innovations, the symposium aims to explore how these technologies can be made accessible and relevant to developing regions, thereby enhancing their socio-economic development.
Conclusion
The International XR Symposium for the Global South represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation in immersive technologies. By addressing the unique challenges faced by developing nations, the symposium aims to pave the way for impactful solutions that can drive progress and development in the Global South.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of November 2025.
