HARVARDXR
‍Events

Checkin

Opening

Keynote - "From Black Mirrors to Blue Doors"

As the pace of technological progress accelerates, there is increasing fear the world is heading towards a dystopian outcome ending in the destruction of the world as we know it. In this keynote, Mr. Graylin will dispel current myths in this realm, provide actionable recommendations and discuss how XR and AI will positively converge in the near future to bring about a more egalitarian and hopeful future for the coming generation.

Sci-Tech Art

How does artificial intelligence assist the face replacement visual effects of the characters in "The Wandering Earth 2"? How to achieve the cross-media audio-visual effect of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics? How can social media platform AR filters reshape our perception of self-personality? In this section, we explore the future-facing multi-sensory immersive experience.

Fireside Chat I - "Navigating Metaverse and XR 2023"

Metaverse and Game

The Metaverse & Game panel brings together experts in the fields of Metaverse and gaming to discuss the future of immersive experiences. They will delve into topics such as the design of immersive experiences, game loops and economies in the metaverse, and the challenges of building a sustainable metaverse ecosystem.

Fireside Chat II - "Investment in Metaverse"

Lunch and Networking

$25 Free Lunch on Postmates (Please order in advance!)

AxonPark Workshop

Healthcare and Education

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has rapidly advanced and is now being implemented in healthcare to improve patient outcomes, enhance medical training, and revolutionize healthcare delivery. The panelists will share the latest trends in the adoption of VR in healthcare and the benefits it can bring to patients, from both a clinical, educational, and academic perspective.

Entrepreneurship and Investment

The Entrepreneurship and Investment Panel would explore the emerging landscape of extended reality (XR) startups and investment opportunities. The panelists would discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating a successful XR business, and how XR can meaningfully impact climate-positive and social-forward initiatives and enterprises.

Break

Break and Showcase

Spatial Reality

By merging the digital and physical worlds, extended reality has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience urban and built spaces. This section aims to delve into how XR can fundamentally change our experience of urban spaces, and how we can use this technology to create more engaging and liveable environments.

Design and Technology

The Design and Technology Panel focuses on the latest trends and innovations in XR design and technology. The panelists will explore the creative and technical challenges of designing immersive experiences and examine the potential of XR technology to influence communities and cities.

Break

Break and Showcase

Future of Work

Future of work panel will discuss the future of work in virtual reality and its potential to revolutionize the workplace. The panelists will share how to use XR tools to prototype for human-centered creativity, foster imagination, build empathy, and create connection.

Building the Metaverse

Join our panel of experts in the exciting realm of building the metaverse! Our panelists, comprising of technologists, futurists, and visionaries, will delve into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the rapidly evolving landscape of the metaverse. From XR experiences, to blockchain, Web3, and social interactions in the virtual world, our panelists will share their insights, strategies, and visions for the future of the metaverse.

Closing Note - "Tribrid Learning"

Tribrid Learning: Revolutionizing Education through Immersive Technologies and the Metaverse

VIP Reception

HarvardXR 2024 Opening

Welcome to HarvardXR 2024 annual conference titled "Extended Intelligence" focusing on the convergence of AI and XR. Our goal is to provide a platform for students, researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs to discuss how XR is shaping the future across different industries.

Keynote “Collective Superintelligence”

While most AI researchers focus on emulating human intelligence, Dr. Louis Rosenberg has taken a very different approach. For the last decade he has been working on Collective Superintelligence, a method of using AI to connect human groups together to enable significantly more accurate predictions, assessments, forecasts, decisions, and evaluations. The technology created by his company, Unanimous AI, is based on the biological principle of Swarm Intelligence and has been used to optimize decisions by organizations ranging from the US Air Force and the United Nations to hedge funds and market research firms. Dr. Rosenberg will talk about the science and technology of Collective Superintelligence and the tools his company is developing to bring these capabilities to mainstream applications. Dr. Rosenberg earned his PhD from Stanford University, is a former professor at California State University, and has a book from Hachette, Our Next Reality about the future of AI-powered immersive worlds.

Future Prototypes

Explore "Future Prototypes" with Mike Pell, Director at Microsoft Garage NYC, and Valentin Heun, VP at PTC Reality Lab. Pell reshapes strategies with innovation and data AI prowess, while Heun's groundbreaking work in computer interaction promises an illuminating exploration of future possibilities.

XR in Education

Dive into the forefront of educational innovation where we explore the dynamic intersection of extended realities (XR) and transformative learning experiences. This session promises to illuminate the pathways through which XR technologies - including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) - are revolutionizing teaching methodologies, learner engagement, and curriculum design across various educational landscapes.

XR in Enterprise

Explore the transformative potential of XR in the enterprise sector with our insightful sessions "Keeping Humans @ Center within Enterprise XR Solutions" and "Building Better Humans: How Technology Can Elevate Human Performance." Dive into how the emerging Enterprise Metaverse and GenAI solutions are reshaping communication, collaboration, and co-creation in business environments, emphasizing the importance of human-centric design amidst rapid technological advancements. Additionally, learn how AI and XR are being harnessed to enhance human capabilities, fostering a future where technology amplifies cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being, and drives significant advancements in business through improved training, engagement, and innovative processes. These discussions will illuminate the path towards a future where technology serves to elevate the human experience in the enterprise realm, ensuring that human needs and conditions are at the forefront of digital transformation.

Creative Platforms

Explore the realm of "Creative Platforms" with visionary speakers Martin Sawtell and Julian Park. Martin, XR Lead at Dell Technologies, pioneers XR, bridging virtual and physical worlds through innovative technology platforms. Joining him, Julian, CEO of Bezi, revolutionizes spatial design collaboration. Together, they illuminate the transformative power of creative platforms in design and interaction.

Women in XR

Join us for an inspiring session titled "Women in XR," where we spotlight the remarkable contributions of female pioneers at the helm of the extended reality (XR) revolution. This session is dedicated to showcasing the innovative work, challenges overcome, and groundbreaking advancements driven by women in the fields of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Engage with stories of leadership, creativity, and technological breakthroughs that are defining the future of immersive experiences and digital interaction.

Ethics of XR and AI

In the rapidly evolving landscapes of Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), ethical considerations take center stage. This crucial session dives into the moral complexities and responsibilities inherent in developing and deploying XR and AI technologies. Featuring Terry Chen's talk on building an AI startup with a human approach and a fireside chat between Dan McConnell and Trista Pierce, we explore the delicate balance between innovation and ethical standards. From the gaming industry's challenges to the broader implications for society, our speakers share insights on navigating ethical dilemmas with integrity, emphasizing a human-centric approach in technology. Join us to understand the foundational importance of ethics in shaping the future of XR and AI.

Immersive Reality

Embark on a captivating journey into Immersive Reality, where creativity and innovation converge. Stewart Smith, Product Design Director at Unity Technologies, combines software engineering with artistic brilliance, from Google Doodles to virtual reality music videos. GMUNK, the visionary digital artist behind "TRON: Legacy," expands perceptions with enigmatic, atmospheric style, redefining immersive experiences and inspiring the impossible.

Bezi Workshop

Experience an immersive workshop led by Julian Park, the co-founder and CEO of Bezi, as he delves into the world of designing and prototyping for spatial computing. Julian will debunk the complexities and demonstrate how approachable spatial design can be by providing attendees with real-world examples and hands-on experience. From understanding spatial interfaces to mastering prototyping techniques, this session promises to equip participants with the skills needed to excel in future professional roles. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from an industry expert and participate in an interactive Q&A session.

XR in Healthcare

Witness the merger of innovative worlds in pain management and pediatric care within the "XR in Healthcare" session at HarvardXR. This comprehensive talk, led by pioneers Kate Donovan of Boston Children’s Hospital and Dr. John E. Rubin along with Dr. Rohan Jotwani from Weill Cornell, showcases the transformative potential of Extended Reality (XR) in reshaping healthcare practices, patient experiences, and medical education.

Journey After School

Embark on a captivating journey beyond academia with esteemed panelists Dhairya Dand, Botao Amber Hu, Veronica Peitong Chen, and Iris Pan. From groundbreaking inventions to speculative design and AI integration, explore their multidisciplinary approaches shaping the future of design, AI, and technology. Together, they showcase boundless possibilities of creativity and innovation in the real world.

Metaverse and Gaming

Explore the dynamic fusion of the "Metaverse and Gaming" with Yibing Jiang and Jenny Guo. Yibing, a former Creative Director at Unity, revolutionizes real-time rendering, while Jenny, co-founder of Highstreet, pioneers VR-driven MMORPG games intertwining commerce and virtual reality. Together, they illuminate the transformative power of immersive experiences in gaming and beyond.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Experience a groundbreaking session on "Entrepreneurship & Innovation" at HarvardXR, where we delve into the revolutionary impact of extended reality (XR) technologies on healthcare. This session features Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth, and Mark Zhang, President of AMXRA, who will share their pioneering work in immersive therapeutic platforms and medical extended reality, reshaping the way we approach mental, physical, and cognitive health.

Closing Speech

Tsitsi will share her profound insights on "Designing in XR × AI," unveiling the foundational principles essential for creating immersive XR experiences that are not only engaging and comfortable but also ethically sound and inclusive.

HarvardXR 2024 Closing Ceremony

Closing note, all-staff photography and social activities to wrap up HarvardXR 2024.