Exploring New Frontiers in Education
Virtual reality opened doors to realms beyond a traditional hospital setting for Aggelos Ahuja. Initially drawn to the entertainment aspect, he quickly developed a deeper curiosity about the mechanics behind these mesmerizing experiences. This fascination soon transformed into a collaborative mission alongside his father, Sonal Ahuja, a seasoned technologist and entrepreneur. Together, they embarked on a journey of experimentation that ultimately led to the creation of VRAcademi—an innovative education and technology hub based in Dubai, focused on fostering creativity, enhancing technological skills, and empowering individuals.
Crafting the Next Generation of Innovators
Established in 2020, VRAcademi serves as a pioneering platform for children and adults to acquire essential skills suited for the future. By offering hands-on, technology-centric programs, VRAcademi presents an advanced environment featuring cutting-edge resources such as immersive virtual reality, robotics, motion capture, and metaverse studios. The curriculum encompasses various subjects, including artificial intelligence, coding, game design, and virtual art, striking a delicate balance between creativity and practical experience.
Aggelos is actively involved in curriculum development, which he regards as a major achievement of VRAcademi. “Our most gratifying success is witnessing the remarkable transformation of our students,” he explained. “From young children as early as six exhibiting their VR art creations, to teenagers conceptualizing entire game environments, and even adults—like one who was 82 years old—embracing immersive technologies, we see all ages thriving.”
Furthermore, VRAcademi has forged partnerships with numerous organizations, including the Ministry of AI, as they collaboratively host youth camps centered around AI learning and coding. Another notable collaboration is with VR4Clima, an Erasmus+ project supported by the European Union, designed to utilize immersive technology for promoting climate-related awareness among younger audiences.
The UAE: A Hub for Innovation
Setting up shop in Dubai was almost a natural choice for the Ahuja duo. “The UAE possesses an inherent understanding of future needs,” Sonal remarked. “It’s one of the few regions that actively champions creative technology, educational development, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship at the highest levels.”
He emphasized that the conducive local environment—from government initiatives to the enthusiastic engagement of schools and parents—has been remarkably supportive of their vision. “The UAE fosters a genuine support system for innovation—not just through funding, but through ecosystems designed to facilitate growth and connectivity.”
VRAcademi’s contributions to the future skills landscape have garnered recognition from various institutions. “Our goal is to be instrumental in the UAE’s narrative of advancement, equipping millions with the tools and capabilities necessary for tomorrow’s world,” Sonal emphasized.
In a rapidly evolving landscape defined by technological advancements, VRAcademi stands out as a beacon of educational innovation. With a mission to empower a new generation of thinkers, creators, and doers, the Ahuja family is committed to shaping a future that not only accepts change but thrives on it. Through their efforts, they are setting the stage for a transformative educational experience that emphasizes the importance of creativity and technology in the learning process.