Still buzzing after XR Day? We sure are! 🚀

Last Wednesday, the National XR Day 2025 brought together technologists, researchers, creators, and educators at Erasmus University Rotterdam for an inspiring day exploring the future of extended reality (XR). This year’s theme, ‘Shaping New Realities’, highlighted human-centered XR applications and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The day kicked off with an interactive performance by The Smartphone Orchestra, setting an energetic tone. Our hosts, Barry W. Fitzgerald and Gül Akcaova, together with the rector magnificus, Jantine Schuit, welcomed everyone with remarks that sparked curiosity and connection.

👓 Attendees explored how XR is reshaping domains such as education, healthcare, ethics, art, and sustainability through hands-on demos, panels, and workshops.

Breakout sessions combined research, design, and tech. A few examples:

  • ‘The Augmented Gaze’ tackled data ethics and identity, with experts reflecting on privacy in an AI-enhanced XR world.
  • ‘VR-Based Experiential Learning’ showed how immersive environments could help students better understand social issues like health inequalities.
  • ‘Guiding the Green Mind’ explored how VR and personality-driven feedback can encourage sustainable behaviors in personalized ways.

Meanwhile, the demo market turned into a vibrant playground of XR innovation. Attendees walked through virtual Rotterdam, stepped into simulated operating rooms, built dynamic 3D cityscapes, and immersed themselves in interactive stories. Some highlights:

  • Healthcare: Attendees explored surgical holograms powered by AI with Lumi and experienced Erasmus MC’s VR training for radiology and operating room scenarios.
  • Urban planning: Eindhoven University of Technology’s MYOS tool showcased how visitors can create customizable 3D streetscapes, no coding required.
  • Education: Delft University of Technology’s XRZone demoed tools and tutorials to help educators bring XR into the classroom.
  • Society & art: Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences XR Lab’s virtual Rotterdam allowed visitors to chat with AI residents and get 3D scanned into the city of the future.

It was a great opportunity to explore exclusive XR tech on the playground as well, like:

  • Snap Inc.’s New AR Spectacles, pushing the boundaries of lightweight augmented reality with exciting new possibilities.
  • Varjo XR-4, raising the bar for photorealistic mixed reality experiences.
  • Play For Dream MR Headset, a new player on the mixed reality market.

The day ended on a high note with an electrifying fashion show by Anouk Wipprecht and live music from Rafaele Andrade, blending tech, design, and music in a futuristic finale.

🙌 Together with SURF and Erasmus University Rotterdam, we’re thrilled to have supported creating a space where bold ideas, innovation, and inspiration flourished.

A huge thank you to everyone who made XR Day 2025 unforgettable. Let’s keep shaping new realities together!