Nathan Matsuda develops computational camera and display systems to support immersive visual experiences at Meta.
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Sébastien ERCKELBOUT
With a Master’s degree in 3D Interactive Technology Management (Arts et Métiers Institute in Laval), Sébastien Erckelbout is an expert in immersive technologies and XR project management. Currently Manager of the XR Learning Lab at the University of Nantes, he oversees the development and deployment of immersive technologies in higher education and continuing education. With over ten years of experience, he was previously a project manager at the University of Reims, where he led the design of digital tools and immersive applications for the health cluster, as well as a project manager at EON Reality, where he managed international projects for clients such as ExxonMobil, Honeywell and Loyola University Chicago.
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Hervé POCHAT
Hervé Pochat is the founder and president of Neural Balance Innovations (NBI). A recognised specialist in medical innovation, he is developing Stimbox®, a unique vestibular stimulation device designed to reduce cybersickness and improve immersion in virtual reality. With over twenty years of experience in hospitals, industry and start-ups, he works to transform scientific advances into concrete solutions for VR and immersive training.
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Yann JEHANNEUF
A graduate of the Polytech Angers public engineering school (University of Angers), Yann JEHANNEUF began his career at INRIA, where he held the position of business office manager for a European project aimed at promoting immersive XR/VR/AR technologies. This experience allowed him to develop solid expertise in structuring collaborative projects with high technological impact. He then founded a digital marketing startup, asserting his entrepreneurial spirit and strong interest in innovation. Today, Director of the Applied Innovation Exchange and Marketing Manager at Capgemini Rennes, he supports the innovation, marketing/communication, and digital services departments of large groups in their digital transformation. He collaborates closely with the local ecosystem—academic partners, startups, and leading institutions—to design innovative solutions tailored to his clients’ challenges. His approach is resolutely focused on co-innovation, agility, and sustainable value creation.
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Lakshminarayanan VIJAYARAGHAVAN
Lakshminarayanan Vijayaraghavan is a Senior Software Engineer with a passion for crafting immersive experiences in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. He is currently building the content creation engine for TikTok’s Effect House, enabling users to unleash their creativity with cutting-edge tools. Previously, Lakshminarayanan worked on groundbreaking Mixed Reality headsets such as Magic Leap 2 and has led the development of popular VR titles, including Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted VR and NASA’s Astronaut Training experience at the Kennedy Space Center. Based in Silicon Valley, he draws inspiration from the vibrant tech scene and the talented individuals around him. When not coding, Lakshminarayanan enjoys competing in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, or taking some time off to explore new destinations.
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Derek HAM
Derek Ham is the Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he leads innovative research and collaborative projects at the intersection of technology, design, and storytelling. With a deep commitment to fostering creativity and advancing the future of interactive entertainment, Derek brings a wealth of experience as a designer, teacher, and leader in the fields of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive media. Prior to joining CMU, Derek served as the Head of the Media Arts, Design and Technology department at North Carolina State University’s College of Design. There, he led the department’s transition to an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, such as game based learning, algorithmic thinking, and immersive storytelling. He also founded the College of Design’s Mixed Reality Lab, where he worked with students to find new ways to utilize VR & AR technology and expand the possibilities of interaction design.
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Léa DUCRÉ
Léa Ducré est une artiste et réalisatrice de créations hybrides qui explore les frontières mouvantes entre réalité et virtualité.
Des séries documentaires aux jeux vidéo en passant par la réalité virtuelle, elle conçoit des récits innovants qui remettent en question les formes traditionnelles de narration.Sa dernière œuvre, Eliza — une rencontre immersive avec un être virtuel doté d’intelligence artificielle — a été présentée dans des festivals de premier plan sur trois continents.
À travers ses créations avant-gardistes, Léa Ducré interroge notre relation à la technologie et explore les paysages imaginaires de demain. -
Raphael HADDAD
Raphaël Haddad is a VR industry veteran with 13 years’ experience, from the Oculus Rift DK1 Kickstarter to multi-user free-roaming VR and cultural experiences with institutions like Musée d’Orsay. As Senior Product Manager at Univrse, he leads XRoam, delivering scalable, intuitive LBVR tools that empower creators, producers, and venues worldwide.
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Diego VILELA MONTEIRO
Diego Vilela Monteiro, PhD, is a Human-Computer Interaction researcher and Responsable for the XR at ESIEA, France. His work focuses on XR, cybersickness, haptics, and AI-driven interaction. He leads innovative projects bridging VR/AR design, neuroscience, and GPU computing, and actively mentors master’s and PhD students. Passionate about cross-cultural collaboration, he develops partnerships across Europe and Asia to advance immersive technology research.
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Alexandra SIERRA
Alexandra Sierra was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and is the founder of Justin Beaver, a Netherlands-based company dedicated to climate change education for children and teachers using virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies. She is also Director of XR ACADEMIA, a series of international conferences and publications for educators and researchers focusing on virtual reality and advanced technologies with international impact. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence from Tilburg University. As an expert researcher in immersive learning technologies – including virtual, augmented and mixed reality – and conventional technologies such as educational platforms, robotics and video games, Alexandra brings a combination of business and technological knowledge to her role. In 2021, Alexandra received an award for her groundbreaking research into immersive technologies at Laval Virtual, France, and in 2023, she received the Erasmus University of Applied Sciences Business Research Award for her work on Justin Beaver’s experiments in VR and AI. Looking ahead to 2025, she aims to expand her VR-based sustainability education initiatives to make an even greater social impact on a global scale.
