Program Overview
Embark on an enriching 8-week journey with the XR Mentorship Program Africa – Cohort 2, designed for Africa-based VR/AR (XR) projects and companies. Benefit from industry expertise, learn best practices for creating high-quality, inclusive, and accessible products and services, and share your progress at Demo Day. This program aims to support your growth and success within the African XR community and beyond.
Program Highlights
Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
Selection Notification: Late August 2024
Program Cost: Free
Program Start Date: September 2024
Program End Date: November 2024
Meeting Schedule: 8 total team meetings, once a week for 2 hours each. Mentors and mentees will meet synchronously and asynchronously throughout the program.
Final Demo Day: November 2024
Eligibility: An existing project or company in the XR space that you would like to take to the next level. Individuals and/or teams are welcome to apply, with the founder(s) required to participate in all scheduled meetings. We seek participants who have a minimum of 1-year of XR experience (does not need to be paid or professional experience), are passionate about creating inclusive and accessible XR experiences. and have access to a computer which meets the minimum performance requirement (specs here)
Deliverable: A presentation on Demo Day
Program Outcome: Enhanced skills, an expanded professional network, and a progressed project or company. Note: Job placement and funding are not guaranteed.
Eligibility Requirements
We’re seeking ambitious and visionary individuals and companies based in Africa, ready to explore the limitless potentials of XR technologies. To be considered for this program, you should have an existing project or company in XR. Importantly, you must have access to a stable internet connection and a computer with the minimum power requirements (see specs). You should also have conversational proficiency in English.
Program Overview
The XR Mentorship Program is an 8-week journey of learning, collaboration, and growth. As a mentee, you will commit to attending weekly 2-hour team meetings over the course of 8 weeks. The program is designed with your convenience in mind, with projects and meetings scheduled in the evening WAT to comfortably coexist with your regular work schedule.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from the enriched guidance and mentorship offered by seasoned industry professionals through individual mentoring and educational workshops. We place a strong emphasis on building inclusive and accessible products and services, ensuring that the knowledge and skills you gain contribute to creating a more equitable XR industry.
The Stewart Tucker Lundy Accessibility Challenge, part of XRI, empowers global developers and designers to innovate solutions for VR accessibility. It is named for Stewart, who requires hands-free interaction in VR experiences. This challenge encourages participants to map VR interactions to user abilities using technical capabilities of VR headsets like sound input, eye tracking, and head/body movement, making VR more accessible and inclusive. It offers a chance for storytellers and technologists to push the boundaries of technology and inclusivity, redefining the future of Virtual Reality.
To encapsulate, your commitment to this program consists of a total of eight weekly 2-hour team meetings and the delivery of a presentation at Demo Day. Expect a meaningful time commitment that integrates smoothly with your existing responsibilities while paving the way for your growth in the XR industry.
Program Deliverables
The program is structured to foster real-world creative, technical and business skills and an innovative mindset. Each team will work collaboratively to advance their XR project or company, putting into practice the knowledge and skills gained during the program. The culmination of your hard work will be demonstrated on Demo Day—an opportunity for you to present your work to a panel of esteemed XR industry professionals.
Apply Today
The XR Mentorship Program application is designed to be straightforward. You will be asked to provide information about your XR project or company, highlight challenges and objectives you’re facing, and overview your experience and skills in the field. All applications will be carefully reviewed by a panel of industry experts, with participants selected based on their demonstrated abilities, commitment to the space and passion for XR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the XR Mentorship Program Africa?
The XR Mentorship Program Africa is a 8-week program designed to nurture up-and-coming African creators in the XR industry, helping them enhance their skills, receive industry guidance, and grow their a XR projects and companies.
Who can apply to the program?
To be considered for this program, you should be based in Africa and have an existing project or company in XR. Importantly, you must possess a laptop with the minimum power requirements (see specs), as many of our interactive sessions and development work will require a computer with comparable power. You should also have conversational proficiency in English.
Can Africans who live outside the continent apply?
We invite mentors from anywhere on the planet. However, for mentees, we only accept applicants who are currently living in Africa. The reason for this decision is to spotlight talent in places that are under-represented in the global XR community. We want to support a world where people don’t have to leave their homes to find opportunity.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the program will be July 31, 2024.
When will I know if I am selected for the program?
Two to three weeks following the application deadline.
What is the meeting schedule?
There will be 8 total team meetings, once a week for 2 hours each, plus asynchronous meetings to be scheduled with mentors at your mutual convenience.
What is the final deliverable of the program?
A presentation on Demo Day to a panel of esteemed XR industry leaders and professionals.
How are mentors involved in the program?
Mentors, who are experienced industry professionals, will provide guidance and insights throughout the program. They may also offer educational workshops to support your needs and challenges.
What happens on Demo Day?
Demo Day takes place online at the end of the program. Mentees will present to a panel of esteemed XR industry leaders and professionals.
Do you have any further questions?
Send us an email at [email protected]
Click Here To See The
Projects
View Cohort 1 Projects
From Cohort 1 – Q4 2023
Discover the innovative Virtual Reality projects created by participants of the Africa XR Creator Program — Cohort 1. Over three months, these aspiring XR professionals engaged in weekly collaborative sessions and mentorship from industry experts, balancing this intensive learning with their regular work commitments.
The final demo day projects showcase their creativity, technical skills, and the growth they achieved throughout the program.
