XROS Initiative Expands Beyond Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai: Meta Public Policy Head

The XR Open Source (XROS) Fellowship, a key component of Meta’s global XR programs and research fund, has celebrated the diverse pool of Indian talent in emerging technologies.

XROS aimed to support Indian developers pursuing XR technologies. Augmented reality or XR is an umbrella term that covers augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). These technologies enhance the perception of the real world by adding or combining digital elements to create interactive and immersive experiences.

Led by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and supported by Meta and government partners, the XROS Fellowship garnered over 10,000 applications. Through a rigorous selection process, 100 developers were selected, showcasing not only the talent of big cities but also the vibrant creativity of small towns and cities across India.

Shivnath Thukral, director and head of public policy – Meta India said, “We have 65% of developers from smaller cities in India. So it is a myth to believe that Augmented Reality or XR initiatives are happening in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. 65% of them come from small towns in India and 20% of the selected fellows are female developers.

These developers collaborated on 38 open source XR projects implemented by 24 partner organizations. Their contributions covered several different areas, from space-efficient smart wearables to a 3D atlas of human anatomy, which aims to revolutionize the understanding of healthcare in 3D.

Ajay Sood, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, hailed the program for nurturing excellence in XR technologies by Indian developers and envisioned its key role in positioning India as a global technology leader. Abhishek Singh, CEO of Digital India and NeGD, lauded the initiative for equipping tech-savvy Indians with the necessary skills and industry exposure that will further their growth in the technological landscape. Meanwhile, Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman of the FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, reiterated the transformative impact of the program in enabling Indian developers to be at the forefront of XR innovation.

All the speakers from government and industry have recognized the fact that the XROS Fellowship is a testament to India’s diverse technology that transcends geographical boundaries and promotes inclusive growth in the technological environment.