Meta taps US, UK universities to test VR in education, creates digital twin ‘metaversities’ in Europe

Nov 12, 2024

Meta partners with US, UK universities to test VR in education, launching 'metaversities' in Europe.

Meta taps US, UK universities to test VR in education, creates digital twin ‘metaversities’ in Europe

: Meta has initiated a partnership with universities in the U.S. and U.K. to test VR in education and launched digital twin 'metaversities' in Europe. Institutions such as Arizona State University and Imperial College London are involved in testing VR prototypes. In Europe, 'metaversities' start at the University of Leeds, with other universities like University of Basque Country following. Despite financial losses, Meta continues investing in VR, countered by Apple's Vision Pro entry.

Meta has started a collaboration with 13 universities in the U.S. and U.K. to analyze a new virtual reality product aimed at enhancing educational experiences. These institutions, including Arizona State University and the University of Leeds, will test VR and mixed reality prototypes in various subjects like history and language arts.

Furthermore, Meta is introducing 'metaversities' in Europe with the University of Leeds offering immersive classes focused on performance and theater. Other European universities, such as University of the Basque Country and University of Hannover, will follow with curricula on physiotherapy and anatomy starting in February 2025 and the next academic year respectively.

This initiative follows Meta's education product announcement based on its Quest headsets, targeting older learners initially. Despite substantial financial losses in its Reality Labs division, Meta continues its VR endeavors, especially with competitors like Apple's Vision Pro entering the market.