The Kenyan-German athlete, Alexandra Ndolo, is bringing fencing back home.  She made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics becoming the first athlete to represent Kenya in fencing at an Olympic Games.

Mathieu Gayet, Head of Industry at the Geneva Digital Market and founder of XRMust.com. Since 2017, Mathieu has become a cornerstone in the XR storytelling community, publishing over 350 articles and organizing events like Immersity in Angoulême. As part of the Geneva International Film Festival, he is dedicated to building the European XR ecosystem and advancing innovation in the field.

Michele Ziegler is the Chief Digital Officer and Director of NewImages Festival & Hub at Forum des Images, France. Michele brings a wealth of experience in strategic development, creative technologies, and event production. From leading France’s first TUMO Center for Creative Technologies to advancing NewImages Festival, she has been at the forefront of educational and cultural innovation in XR.

Arome Ibrahim, representing Nigeria, is a Business Analyst, XR Thought Leader, and Executive Director of Immersive Tech Africa. Through initiatives like the XR Innovation Summit and the XR Innovation Launchpad, Arome has been instrumental in training emerging talents and democratizing access to XR and AI technologies across Africa. His goal of empowering 10,000 VR/AR creators by 2030 reflects his dedication to fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem.

Med Arbi Soualhia, representing Tunisia, is an XR curator and artistic director, leading the immersive section at Gabes Cinema Fen. As founder and creative director of Red Fish XR Studio in Tunis, Med Arbi pioneers XR technologies like 360° video, VR, and AR across various sectors. His commitment to democratizing XR and introducing immersive arts to African and Arab artists reflects his vision for a future rich in creative possibilities.

João Roxo, representing Mozambique, is the co-founder and creative director of Anima Creative Studio, a trailblazing communication studio using design, filmmaking, and new media to drive social change and environmental conservation. João’s interdisciplinary work, from the comic book universe Os Informais to the audiovisual experience Muave, showcases the power of speculative design and artistic expression rooted in the Global South.

A VR film that aims to demystify the effects of mental health in our society through digital storytelling.

A 360° short tragicomedy depicting a day in a Nairobian Boda rider’s life. He drifts through a series of absurd encounters in an attempt to pay a motorbike loan of KSH 1000/-.

An an augmented reality mobile game combining environmental education with adventure. Set in the mystical Oloolua forests, players band together with Wardens, confront personal challenges, and take on the nefarious Polluter in a mission for redemption and environmental harmony.

An immersive VR experience that delves into the Akamba tribe’s unique fusion of traditional spirituality and modern life. Through the perspective of a sorcerer, participants explore themes of cultural revival, self-discovery, and the delicate balance between ancient magic and contemporary challenges.