Though XR hubs are largely based on the US’s West Coast, the MIT Reality Hack has turned into a significant event for XR developers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast. Now in its eighth year, it’s grown significantly, especially with the addition of the EXPERIENTIAL Conference, which has opened up new avenues for industry dialogue and networking. Executive Director Maria Rice gives us an inside look at this year’s hackathon and its standout winners.
The hackathon, which took place from January 23 to 27, saw hundreds of eager tech innovators and startup founders converge on MIT. This annual gathering is a hotspot for experiential technology enthusiasts. With notable backing from global XR, AI, and deeptech firms, including AI support from Lambda Labs, participants rolled up their sleeves to craft working prototypes using cutting-edge tools like Meta Quest 3, Snap Spectacles, and more.
A highlight this year was the introduction of intriguing new tech gear like the MEMS-based AR lenses from Maradin and OpenBCI’s Galea biosensing headset, sparking creativity and innovation.
MIT Reality Hack is renowned for channeling dynamic energy and creativity into hacking for the greater good. This year, around 600 participants went all out over the five days, delivering 78 innovative applications in XR and related technologies.
Topping the list of projects were creations like YEIGO, designed to help ensure proper posture when using mobility aids; CAREGIVR, a platform for families and caregivers to navigate end-of-life care; and Tac-Man, a VR sculpting input device with tactile feedback.
The new EXPERIENTIAL Conference alongside the hack event proved to be a substantial platform for fresh industry discussions and networking. Positioned as the ‘Davos for spatial tech,’ this one-day meetup explored pioneering research and the applications of deeptech in learning innovation and global development landscapes.
Thanks to sponsorships from IEEE Spectrum, Qualcomm, and others, the conference dovetailed nicely with the hackathon’s startup-focused initiatives. Notable moments included the launch of RoomSeed by Limit Labs and a novel hand exoskeleton from Haptikos, offering impactful new applications with impressive precision.
Startups like Three Space Lab from MIT and AI innovators like AUR+A from Taiwan showcased their latest products, underpinning the conference’s focus on propelling creator economies and inclusive technology development more broadly.
The conference opened with a compelling fireside chat, featuring industry legends Tim Bajarin and Anshel Sag, moderated by AR influencer Dan Cui. Discussions revolved around the current state of the XR industry, setting the stage for insightful reflections and forward-looking ideas.
Tim Bajarin also took the floor as a judge at the hackathon, sharing in Forbes how the experience ranks as one of his career highlights after four decades in tech.
Ziad Asghar, Qualcomm’s Senior VP & GM of XR, delivered the keynote, highlighting AI’s growing role in XR devices and the importance of fostering innovation at events like MIT Reality Hack.
A thought-provoking panel, moderated by MIT’s Ken Zolot, wrapped up discussions around sustainable global initiatives. Representatives from major organizations including the UN, The World Bank, and HTC shared how they’re using experiential technology to drive growth and inclusivity, making a case for leveraging hackathon initiatives to empower creator communities worldwide.
As Ori Inbar, co-founder of AWE, remarked, “XR is stepping into the mainstream, but for it to truly thrive, we need both seasoned builders and fresh faces to craft diverse experiences that resonate globally.”
For those looking to get involved in the 2026 iteration of MIT Reality Hack and the EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference, keep an eye out for further opportunities and feel free to reach out for more details.
