Imagine attending a wedding in a picturesque destination, exploring ancient pilgrimage sites, or shopping in a bustling virtual marketplace—all from the comfort of your home. What once seemed like science fiction is now becoming a reality and Akashaversa is making is possible! Wondering what's that? Well! It is a newly launched platform introduced by SC Ventures, the fintech investment arm of Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Kiya.AI, a leading digital solutions provider.
This isn’t just another tech launch; Akashaverse represents a bold leap into the future of immersive experiences, blending the physical and digital realms to create a "phygital" universe. It’s a vision that could redefine the way we interact with events, e-commerce, and spiritual tourism.
On the launch of Akashverse, TICE exclusively connected with Sanjeev Mehta, Founder and Global CEO of Akashaverse. In this conversation, we dive deeper into the key details of this newly launched technology.
What is Akashaverse?
The name “Akashaverse” itself evokes a sense of vastness and limitless potential, much like the sky it’s named after. Built on Kiya.AI’s cutting-edge platform Bharatmeta, Akashaverse leverages Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver unparalleled digital experiences.
“Akashaverse intends to transform the way people connect and interact with spaces and services that were previously out of reach,” said Mehta.
The platform is designed to break barriers of geography, health, and financial constraints, making it inclusive and accessible to people from all walks of life.
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This vision goes beyond simply digitizing experiences. It aims to immerse users in rich, interactive environments where they can explore, shop, and even embark on spiritual journeys. For instance, devotees can virtually visit the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi cave, experiencing it as if they were physically present, complete with real-time, insight-driven engagement.
The Rise of "Phygital" Experiences
The term "phygital" is fast becoming a buzzword in India’s tech ecosystem. It signifies the seamless blend of physical and digital experiences—a trend poised to reshape industries from retail to tourism.
“Currently, we experience things either digitally or physically,” noted Mehta. “In India, both these experiences have gained popularity. However, phygital is the new frontier. Whether it's booking events or hotels, our platform will offer a 3D experience to provide users with the best possible services.”
This blend isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a richer, more engaging way for people to interact with the world around them. With Akashaverse, users can step into a virtual event space, browse a 3D marketplace, or explore ancient temples without ever leaving their homes.
What Akashaverse Brings to the Table
Akashaverse is much more than a technological novelty. It’s an ecosystem designed to cater to multiple industries while addressing real-world challenges. Here’s a closer look at its offerings:
1. Event Booking Platforms
Gone are the days of static brochures and 2D photos. With Akashaverse, users can take immersive virtual tours of event spaces, preview facilities, and make informed decisions. This not only enhances the booking experience but also opens new marketing avenues for venue owners.
2. E-Commerce Redefined
Imagine walking through a virtual shopping mall, picking up products, and examining them as if you were physically there. Akashaverse aims to revolutionize online shopping by creating interactive, lifelike environments that engage users far more effectively than traditional e-commerce platforms.
3. Spiritual Tourism
For many, visiting sacred sites is a lifelong dream, often hindered by health, financial, or logistical challenges. Akashaverse bridges this gap by offering virtual tours of pilgrimage destinations. Whether it’s the ancient temples of India, grand mosques, or serene Gurudwaras, users can now embark on spiritual journeys from anywhere in the world.
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The Technology Behind the Magic
At the heart of Akashaverse is a suite of immersive technologies designed to replicate real-world experiences:
- Virtual Reality (VR): Creates fully immersive digital environments.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital elements onto the physical world.
- Mixed Reality (MR): Blends the physical and digital realms for interactive, hybrid experiences.
These technologies aren’t just tools; they’re enablers of a new way of living and interacting. By integrating them with AI, Akashaverse ensures that every experience is not only immersive but also intelligent and personalized.
Why India and Why Now?
Answering this, Mehta said "India, with its tech-savvy population and rapidly growing digital infrastructure, is the perfect launchpad for Akashaverse. The country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and increasing global investments make it a hotbed for innovation."
The numbers speak for themselves: By 2032, the immersive technology sector is projected to generate a global business opportunity worth $138 billion. Akashaverse is perfectly positioned to tap into this market, starting with three key segments—events, e-commerce, and religious tourism.
Revolutionizing Consumer Engagement
One of Akashaverse’s most exciting features is its ability to provide corporate clients with real-time insights into product engagement. This creates new distribution channels and redefines how businesses connect with consumers.
For example, a retail brand could use Akashaverse to showcase its products in a 3D environment, allowing customers to interact with items in ways that traditional online stores can’t replicate. Similarly, event organizers can offer immersive previews to attract more bookings and enhance user satisfaction.
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A Glimpse into the Future
As the world moves toward a digital-first mindset, platforms like Akashaverse are leading the charge. By merging physical and digital realities, they offer a glimpse into a future where experiences are no longer limited by geography or resources.
For Indian startups, Akashaverse is a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets ambition. It’s not just a platform; it’s a movement that could redefine how we interact with the world around us.
The launch of Akashaverse marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of immersive experiences. With its innovative use of VR, AR, and AI, it bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, creating a new paradigm for events, shopping, and tourism.
As Akashaverse takes its first steps, it’s not just setting a benchmark for immersive technology—it’s opening doors to a future where the impossible becomes possible. For India, this is more than just a technological leap; it’s a step toward global leadership in the next generation of digital experiences.
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