Virtual Visionaries

Aggies from across disciplines are getting the opportunity to explore extended reality technology in a new, first-of-its-kind Virtual Production Institute housed under the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. Located on the College Station campus with an extension at the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus, the institute’s faculty, staff and equipment were funded by $25 million from the Texas Legislature with strong support from the state’s growing media and entertainment industry. 

The institute will teach students about the development and applied use of the $10.3 billion extended reality industry, which incorporates augmented and virtual reality, display and sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and real-time 3D graphics and simulation. As these technologies continue to play a bigger role in media, health care, the military, first response, manufacturing, aerospace and live entertainment, the institute can help address changing workforce needs.  

“The institute will expand our ability to prepare students for jobs of the future like never before,” said Texas A&M University President Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III. “With the leading visualization program in Texas, the launch of this institute builds on our expertise to drive workforce development leveraging the latest technologies, supporting the state’s efforts to lead in multiple industries.”