Three Questions: Quick Discussion with CEO / Co-Founder Hakan Satiroglu

We recently sat down with Hakan Satiroglu, CEO and Co-Founder of XR Terra, to answer three questions about the state of XR and how XR Terra is positioned for the future.

After building your career in EdTech, why the move to “TechEd”?

Given the transformations we are already seeing in many industries because of XR, and the impact XR will have on virtually every aspect of our lives going forward, “TechEd” —technology-driven learning and education — was a natural progression for my career. As was XR Terra, which I co-founded in 2019. I am proud to be preparing a diverse group of developers, designers, content creators, and business professionals to serve as the skilled workforce this new world requires.

Why is XR so exciting to you?

PwC estimates that XR will contribute $1.5 trillion to the global GDP by 2030. What’s amazing is that figure was released before the coronavirus pandemic, which only further spotlighted the importance of XR. But beyond that, from an educational perspective, I am excited about how XR will soon impact all four corners of the learning world — K-12, higher ed, workforce development, and corporate learning — while playing a dual role. We are creating as well as learning and teaching using XR. This makes XR incredibly powerful. It’s more than reality-altering, it’s mind-altering.

“I am excited about how XR will soon impact all four corners of the learning world — K-12, higher ed, workforce development, and corporate learning”

What is your main concern for the future of XR?

Diversity, equity and accessibility, without question. This is both an exciting and a critical period for XR — in this moment of time, we have a limited opportunity to effect change where other tech fields have failed. We need to ensure the future workforce is diverse, since XR will serve us all. No one should be left behind. I have committed XR Terra to encouraging equitable opportunities, especially through scholarships, and am pleased to have found many in the tech industry also have an eye on inclusion and accessibility.