By: Qhawekazi  Memani – 28 November 2023

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT’s) Resource Mobilization Department has successfully secured a European Union (EU) grant for the Metaverse Academy project. Driven by a two-year effort, this accomplishment carries significant implications for VUT, unlocking opportunities to empower students and address the growing demand for immersive technologies.

According to Dr Narissa Ramdhani, VUT’s Director of Resource Mobilisation, “The grant not only establishes VUT as a key participant but also ensures the University’s involvement in a critical project aligning with global trends. It enhances VUT’s strategic priorities in research and innovation, creating valuable employment prospects for graduates.”

The Metaverse Academy project addresses the scarcity of skilled professionals in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (ER) technologies, representing a significant leap forward. This initiative aims to enhance the EU’s competitiveness in immersive technologies through fostering industry-academic collaboration, entrepreneurship, and tackling future skills challenges.

Collaborating with 13 partners from 7 EU countries, including 2 Third Countries (Israel and an African Partner), is pivotal in achieving the project’s objectives. The partnership aligns with the Digital Single Market Strategy, fostering digital skill development and creating a workforce ready for emerging technologies. This collaboration not only provides VUT students and faculty with international engagement opportunities but also amplifies the University’s global visibility.

The involvement of VUT’s Visual Arts and Design, Information and Communications Technology, and the Short Learning Programmes & Skills Development Provision (E-Skills) departments highlights the university’s commitment to the project’s success. VUT’s active participation showcases it’s dedication to the success of the Metaverse Academy.

VUT’s role as the African partner involves developing online learning modules focused on the creative design aspects of AR/VR/XR product development. This strategic choice over Historically Advantaged Universities in South Africa reflects the success of the Dr Ramdhani and VUT team in building confidence and relationships with EU stakeholders.

Dr Ramdhani stated, “VUT students stand to benefit significantly from the project, acquiring additional skills that make them future-ready. As immersive technologies become integral to various global industries, participation in the Metaverse Academy opens doors for future engagements and exchanges.”

The project not only aims to enhance VUT students’ employability but also fosters industry-academic collaborations. Through a meticulous curriculum development process involving industry consultation, the project seeks to identify specific training and education needs, strengthen relations with industries, and generate third-stream income for VUT.

While acknowledging anticipated challenges, including human resource management, VUT plans to address them by effective duty allocation and seeking support from experienced partners. This collaborative approach highlights VUT’s commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful implementation of the Metaverse Academy project.

The project not only benefits VUT students and faculties but also contributes to the broader global conversation on the integration of AR/VR/XR technologies across various sectors.