18 March 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane | Photo: Supplied.
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) continues to advance in digital innovation, having been the African partner in the prestigious Metaverse Academy Funding Project since 2024. This three-year partnership has positioned VUT alongside 13 European institutions, reinforcing its commitment to fostering digital skills development and immersive technologies.
The Metaverse Academy aligns with the Digital Single Market Strategy—an initiative aimed at enhancing digital competencies and preparing the workforce for emerging technologies. By collaborating with European partners, VUT is actively contributing to a unified strategy addressing global digital transformation, an effort of particular significance for the African continent.
According to Dr Narissa Ramdhani, Director for Resource Mobilisation at VUT, this collaboration elevates the university’s national and global competitiveness, placing VUT in the international spotlight for its unique digital expertise. “It also provides our students and faculty involved in the project with the opportunity to engage with European university communities,” she added.
Recent project developments have been notable. In January, Mr Nils Anderson from Sweden, representing EON Reality, delivered an intensive two-day online training session for VUT staff, tutors, and external attendees. This training formed part of the project’s broader agenda, focused on equipping educators with both theoretical and practical knowledge of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR) technologies. The session also explored their applications in education, entrepreneurship, and various industries.
To ensure continuity, a face-to-face training session was conducted in February at VUT’s campus, once again led by Mr Anderson. This hands-on workshop enabled educators to apply their knowledge using the EON Reality platform, further solidifying the university’s leadership in immersive technology training.
The initiative has not only benefitted VUT staff and students but has also attracted interest from businesses across the region. Representatives from 16 companies, spanning mining, banking, and the chemical energy sectors, have participated in discussions on future XR applications tailored to their industries.
Through the Metaverse Academy Project, VUT plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and rapidly evolving technologies. By developing awareness and technical skills in AR, VR, and XR, the initiative ensures that students and educators remain at the forefront of digital transformation in work, leisure, and society.
VUT’s impact in this field has gained international recognition. In late 2024, the university proudly showcased the project at the Immersive Technology Conference in Greece, further cementing its reputation as a global leader in technology and digital innovation.
As the Metaverse Academy Project progresses, VUT remains committed to shaping the future of immersive education and industry collaboration, strengthening its position as a driving force in digital transformation across Africa and beyond.
