Even though the bulk of the XR industry is based on the West Coast of the United States, something remarkable is happening on the East Coast: the MIT Reality Hack hackathon. Now in its eighth year, this event is becoming a magnet for XR developers and entrepreneurs, thanks to its new partnership with the EXPERIENTIAL Conference. Maria Rice, the Executive Director, gives us the lowdown on this year’s exciting hackathon and the groundbreaking winners.
Maria Rice, who has been at the helm of MIT Reality Hack, is a name you’d want to know if you’re in experiential technology. For the past eight years, she has played a pivotal role in positioning this hackathon as a leader in the field. This includes her involvement in the EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference, the Reality Scholars diversity fund, and the Reality Hack Founders Lab tailored for startups.
From January 23 to 27, the MIT campus became a bustling hub for hundreds of top-notch hackers and tech pioneers gathered for the MIT Reality Hack, the leading event for those passionate about experiential technology. Supported by a lineup of international sponsors from XR, AI, and deeptech domains, attendees got their hands on shiny new tools thanks to partners like Lambda Labs, whose AI development support was key. Participants crafted impressive prototypes using a variety of cutting-edge hardware such as the Meta Quest 3, Snap Spectacles, and the sophisticated Qualcomm’s RB3g2 robotics kits.
This year’s hackathon was particularly notable for the introduction of some future-ready hardware kits. New entries like the MEMS-based AR lenses from Maradin and the state-of-the-art haptic exoskeleton from Haptikos added a dynamic edge to the projects. Not to mention, OpenBCI’s impressive suite of neurosensing gear added that extra layer of innovation.
What’s truly memorable about MIT Reality Hack is its vibrant community vibe. The motto of hacking for good resonates throughout, and the energy from both participants and organizers is palpable. Over five days, the event brought together 600 creative minds, unleashing 78 fresh applications and use cases in XR and adjacent tech fields.
When it came to stand-out projects, the winners certainly stole the show. YEIGO shone as an AR tool aimed at ensuring optimal posture while using mobility aids. CAREGIVR offered an immersive platform for preparing both families and caregivers for end-of-life care scenarios. Tac-Man introduced a haptic input device tailored for VR sculpting, showcasing the realm of possibilities in virtual art.
But the excitement wasn’t limited to hacking alone. Alongside the hackathon, tech enthusiasts globally converged for the first EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference—a noteworthy venue for industry talks and networking. Often dubbed the ‘Davos of the spatial tech industry,’ this one-day gathering featured bleeding-edge research tackling deeptech challenges, across themes like learning innovation and global tech applications.
Backed by names like IEEE Spectrum and Qualcomm, the EXPERIENTIAL Conference pushed the envelope further with launches tailored to the hack-to-market initiative of Reality Hack’s Founders Lab. For instance, Limit Labs unveiled RoomSeed, a genAI tool born from dedicated research. Meanwhile, Haptikos introduced a novel hand exoskeleton that elevates XR applications, both in terms of touch precision and affordability.
Startups like MIT’s Three Space Lab, alongside AUR+A and Meta Intelligence from Taiwan, put on impressive displays. This conference wasn’t just about showcasing tech; it extended its scope to boost creator economies beyond the confines of the hackathon, into academic and commercial conversations.
The event kicked off with a compelling fireside chat featuring industry veterans like Tim Bajarin and Anshel Sag, moderated by AR pioneer Dan Cui. Bajarin, gracing the judge’s table at the hackathon, later shared his enriching experience in Forbes, labeling it a career highlight.
Adding to the momentum, Qualcomm’s Senior VP & GM of XR, Ziad Asghar, took the stage with an engaging keynote. He delved into how XR devices are increasingly harnessing AI capabilities and applauded MIT Reality Hack for being a breeding ground for the next wave of tech breakthroughs.
The conference also delved into globally sustainable futures, facilitated by industry thought leaders such as Ken Zolot and representatives from the United Nations, HTC, and more. The discussions underscored how experiential technology contributes to economic growth while fostering inclusive human experiences.
Ori Inbar, co-founder of AWE and partner to Reality Hack, astutely summarized the vision: “XR is going mainstream, but to fully achieve this goal we need more seasoned XR builders and newcomers of all kinds to create diverse spatial experiences that matter to every single person on the planet. That’s how you conquer the mainstream!”
Anyone eager to be part of the 2026 MIT Reality Hack and EXPERIENTIAL Innovation Conference has the chance to dive in. This growing powerhouse of innovation is not just worth watching—it’s worth participating in. For more information, reach out; they’re eager to welcome new visionaries on board.
