At the "Tech Boost Summit" in Munich, Straightlabs GmbH & Co. KG unveiled the initial findings of their research project on the potential of XR (Mixed Reality) technologies for education and learning. This project, in collaboration with Bertrandt AG and five other German companies active globally across various sectors, explored the use of Virtual Reality (VR) for intercultural training. They developed a VR training application called "The Others' Thoughts," designed to enhance intercultural competencies in the workplace through three realistic scenarios. This research is part of the "Immersive Learning Fund," an international program initiated by Meta along with universities and think tanks across Europe.

Dr. Jakub Cichor, on behalf of Prof. Claudia Peus, was featured as a keynote speaker, who delivered a presentation on the skills gap and the importance of lifelong learning. Dr. Cichor's insights provided a deep dive into how evolving job markets demand continuous education and adaptability from the workforce. Highlighting the critical role of immersive technologies in addressing these challenges, his talk underscored the need for innovative training solutions to equip professionals with the skills necessary for the future. This inclusion further enriched the discussion on the transformative power of VR in professional development, aligning with the broader themes of the summit and the showcased research findings.

A white paper, including the study results examining the VR training application's efficacy, is available for those interested in further details here.