MIT Reality Hack Emerges as a Hub for XR Developers and Entrepreneurs on the US East Coast

While the West Coast of the United States often steals the spotlight as the main stage for the XR industry, the MIT Reality Hack hackathon has quietly emerged as a vital gathering for XR developers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast. Now celebrating its eighth year, this event has grown to offer even more industry conversations and networking opportunities, thanks to the introduction of the EXPERIENTIAL Conference running alongside it. Maria Rice, the Executive Director of MIT Reality Hack, provides us with an inside look into this year’s hackathon and its top entries.

### Guest Insight by Maria Rice

Maria, who has steered the MIT Reality Hack as its Executive Director for the past eight years, has significantly contributed to making the event a leader in experiential technology. With initiatives like the EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference, the Reality Scholars diversity fund, and the Reality Hack Founders Lab focusing on startups, she has fostered a vibrant tech community.

### Unleashing Creativity at the MIT Reality Hack

Between January 23-27, MIT’s campus became a bustling hub for hundreds of top-tier hackers committed to positive change, alongside experienced tech pioneers and startup leaders. At this eighth annual MIT Reality Hack, a premier hackathon dedicated to experiential technology, innovation was the order of the day.

The event drew support from international figures positioned at the crossroads of XR, AI, and deeptech. Thanks to AI development backing from Lambda Labs, participants had the chance to work with cutting-edge tools like Meta Quest 3, Snap Spectacles, Qualcomm’s RB3g2 robotics kits, ShapesXR, Cognitive 3D, and STYLY.

### Tech Innovations Steal the Show

One of the standout features this year was the introduction of fresh hardware kits. These included Maradin’s MEMS-based AR lenses, Haptikos’ haptic exoskeleton, and an impressive range of neurosensing equipment from OpenBCI, featuring the Galea biosensing headset.

MIT Reality Hack is proudly defined by its mission of hacking for good, with both participants and organizers fueling an electrifying energy over the five-day event. The result? Approximately 600 participants stretched their expertise to the brink, creating 78 standout initiatives and applications in XR and related technologies.

Among the winning projects were YEIGO, an AR tool ensuring proper use of mobility aids; CAREGIVR, a platform offering immersive preparation for end-of-life care; and Tac-Man, a VR sculpting haptic device. For those interested, a comprehensive list of this year’s winners in all hardware and software categories is available.

### EXPERIENTIAL Conference: Fostering Industry Dialogue

Running alongside the MIT Reality Hack, the inaugural EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference carved out its own niche. Dubbed the ‘Davos of the spatial tech industry,’ it concentrated on groundbreaking deeptech research, tackling topics like educational innovation, vertical applications, and global development.

With sponsors like IEEE Spectrum, Qualcomm, and Helsinki-based Distance Technologies, the conference supported the Reality Hack’s ‘hack-to-market’ efforts through its Founders Lab. This included the exciting unveil of new companies: Limit Labs, from VR/AR MIT leaders with the innovative genAI tool RoomSeed, and Haptikos, touting a new hand exoskeleton that brings touch to XR apps with remarkable affordability and precision.

### Exploring the Future of XR

EXPERIENTIAL explored the transformative landscape of XR, delving into academic research and business implications. Tim Bajarin, of Creative Strategies, and Anshel Sag of Moor Insights & Strategy engaged in an insightful fireside chat moderated by AR pioneer Dan Cui, painting a vivid picture of the XR industry’s present and potential.

Moreover, Bajarin stepped into the role of a hackathon judge for the first time, later sharing on Forbes the experience as a highlight of his tech career spanning over four decades. Ziad Asghar from Qualcomm delivered a keynote on AI’s growing role in XR and the importance of nurturing new ideas through events like the MIT Reality Hack.

### Leading Conversations on Global Sustainability

Later, a panel spotlighting global sustainability initiatives was moderated by MIT’s Ken Zolot, featuring representatives from organizations like the UNICC, The World Bank, Inclusive AI Lab, and Qualcomm, joined by HTC’s futurist Alvin Wang Graylin. They shared insights on how experiential technologies and hackathon efforts are fueling new economies and inclusive experiences globally.

Ori Inbar, AWE co-founder and a partner in Reality Hack, wrapped up with a powerful observation: While XR is stepping into mainstream consciousness, its success hinges on harnessing the skills of both veteran developers and diverse newcomers to craft experiences that resonate worldwide.

Ready to be part of next year’s scene? Companies interested in the 2026 MIT Reality Hack and EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference are welcome to connect with us for more information.