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With SDJF · American Center Colombo · August to November 2026

Immersive creatorsstart here

An eight-week, practice-oriented Virtual Reality and Spatial AI bootcamp for young Sri Lankan technology and creative professionals, with hands-on skills in AI, AR, VR, 3D development and spatial computing.

The Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum funds the programme, and classes run at the American Center Colombo.

Agreement period
19 August to 30 November 2026
Venue
American Center Colombo
Grantor
Sri Lanka Development Journalist Forum
Duration
8 weeks

100+

registrations for 30 places

30

participants selected

8

weeks of training

2 + 1

AR and VR assignments plus a pitch deck per participant

Two objectives, one immersive future

  • 01

    Global gig and tech economy skills

    Equip youth with high-value, sought-after technology skills that create pathways into the global digital and gig economy.

  • 02

    Practical spatial computing and AI

    Build hands-on capabilities in computer science, spatial design and artificial intelligence using industry-leading U.S. technology platforms.

Skills

  • Generative AI
  • 3D asset creation
  • Augmented reality
  • Virtual reality
  • Spatial UX and UI
  • Interactive experiences

An eight-week journey from spatial learning to prototype creation

  1. WEEK 1The spatial convergence: how AI, VR and AR intersect
  2. WEEK 2World-building and AI asset generation
  3. WEEK 3Augmented reality foundations: mobile-based AR experiences
  4. WEEK 4Virtual reality environments for architecture, tourism and real estate
  5. WEEK 5Intelligent interactions: AI-powered environments and NPCs
  6. WEEK 6UX and UI for immersive tech
  7. WEEK 7Pitching tech IP: startup pitch decks and pre-seed funding concepts
  8. WEEK 8Immersive Demo Day

Technology access, practical immersive learning

  • 01

    Generative AI platforms

    AI-assisted ideation and generation of concepts, 3D assets, textures and environments. Weeks 2 to 5.

  • 02

    3D creation tools

    Development of 3D models, environments and assets. Week 2 onwards.

  • 03

    Online WebAR platform

    Interactive AR experiences that run in a smartphone browser, with no app installation. Week 3.

  • 04

    Unity Engine

    Building the AI-assisted VR environment, including lighting, player movement and basic interactions. Week 4 onwards.

  • 05

    VR headsets

    Building, installing and testing the VR environment on a headset. Week 4 onwards.

From learning to a working immersive prototype

  • 01

    Web-based augmented reality experience

    Participants design and develop an interactive WebAR experience using an online AR platform. The experience places 3D content in the real world and opens in a smartphone browser without an app. Expected output: a functional WebAR experience with a shareable link, a QR code and a demonstration video.

  • 02

    AI-assisted virtual reality environment

    Participants create a complete VR environment in Unity Engine using AI-generated and optimised 3D assets, with environment design, lighting, player movement and basic interactions. Expected output: a fully functional Unity VR environment tested on a VR headset, with a demonstration video.

Every participant delivers both assignments as a working AR and VR prototype, with a startup pitch deck, at the Immersive Demo Day to Embassy officials and industry representatives.

Who applies

Tech enthusiasts, 3D modellers, game designers, interactive storytellers and creative technology professionals aged 18 to 35.

Applicants show interest or experience in AI, AR, VR or 3D, attend physical sessions, have a laptop and commit to all eight weeks.

Selection weighs technical knowledge and tool familiarity, project experience, problem-solving, creative potential and motivation.

Demo Day projects

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Team

Meet the programme team

The people who mentor and teach each cohort.

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Start a conversation

Want to fund or host a programme?

Email hello@digitalturtles.com and we reply within one working day.

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