Pushing the Boundaries of XR Innovation: Highlights from XR Hack London 2024
2024 London UK, the immersive tech scene came alive at XR Hack London 2024 the country’s largest-ever XR-focused hackathon organised by Innovate UK Immersive Tech network in collaboration with Meta, PWC london and XR Bootcamp. Held over an action-packed weekend, the event brought together 187 participants from across the UK and Europe — a dynamic mix of developers, artists, designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs — all working collaboratively to imagine the future of immersive technology.
A driving force behind the event’s success was Sean Rodrigo, a London-based immersive creative artist and technology consultant, who served as a Co-Ordinator. With his deep background in immersive storytelling, rapid prototyping, and creative education, Sean played a pivotal role in shaping the hackathon experience — from managing hackers to managing event logistics,MCing everyday with his handy bell for timing annoucements and ensuring an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere throughout.
Sean’s past involvement with international initiatives like the MIT Reality Hack, where he’s supported recruitment and attended as a participant since 2020, but he also leveraged his network to help attract top-tier mentors, speakers, and partners to XR Hack 2024. His long-standing work with organisations like Immerse UK, XRDI, and WIIT Europe helped to elevate the hackathon into a national showcase for cutting-edge XR creativity.
Beyond logistics, Sean also encouraged participants to think critically about the social, educational, and artistic applications of immersive technology. Drawing on his teaching work with UCL, St Paul’s Girls School, and guest lectures at King’s College London, Bath Spa, and Solent University, he provided insight into how immersive tools can be used not just to entertain but to inform, engage, and empower communities. The hackathon culminated in an awards show juding of over 30 immersive prototypes, many tackling gaming, education, and mixes reality catergories
XR Hack London 2024 wasn’t just a hackathon — it was a celebration of what’s possible when art, technology, and innovation intersect.