agora-world

Most Innovative Immersive Experience Platform 2024 (Acquisition International)

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:21:28 GMT

Agora World has been recognized as the Most Innovative Immersive Experience Platform 2024 by Acquisition International!

PRESS RELEASE: Agora World Named Top 10 Finalist in QBE Insurance AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 02:27:25 GMT

PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 2024 — Agora World, a leading no-code 3D visualization and simulation platform, proudly announces its selection as a Top 10 Resiliency Solution in the prestigious QBE Insurance AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge , powered by Leading Cities .

Cities worldwide are grappling with complex challenges—from aging infrastructure and climate change to data fragmentation. Traditional solutions often remain intricate, technical, and fragmented, hindering effective responses. Agora World is transforming this landscape by offering a simpler, more integrated approach to urban resilience.

Empowering Urban Resilience Through Innovation:

Agora World's platform enables:

�� Emergency Responders: Evaluate and plan sites in minutes, conduct immersive training simulations, and receive real-time AI optimizations.

��️ Cities: Grade and maintain infrastructure like hydrants and poles, automate responses, and ensure resilience.

�� Telecom Providers: Optimize 5G deployment by running complex simulations to ensure efficient coverage.

�� Urban Projects: Leverage AR digital twins and AI to streamline permitting, progress tracking, and collaboration.

A Recognition of Impact:

"We are thrilled to be recognized among the top innovators in urban resilience," said Ethan Berg, Founder and CEO of Agora World. "This honor validates our commitment to empowering cities with accessible tools that foster sustainability, equity, and resilience. We're excited to collaborate with industry leaders to amplify our impact on urban communities globally."

About the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge:

The QBE Insurance AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge is a global competition that identifies and supports startups addressing the most pressing challenges faced by cities today. As a Top 10 Finalist, Agora World gains the opportunity to collaborate with experts, gain valuable exposure, and further develop its groundbreaking solutions.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cities

If our mission resonates with you, let's chat: info [at] agoraworld [dot] io

For more information about Agora World and our innovative solutions, please visit www.agoraworld.com

Agora World Named Top 10 Finalist at Startup World Cup Orlando!

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:47:06 GMT

I’m beyond excited to announce that Agora World has been selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists for Startup World Cup Orlando ! On September 18th, we’ll have the opportunity to pitch in front of a world-class panel of judges for a chance to represent Central Florida in the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, where we’ll be competing for a $1M investment prize.

This recognition is a great reflection of the hard work our team has put into pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with site intelligence. At Agora World, we’re passionate about democratizing access to 3D visualization and digital twin technologies. Our goal is to empower companies, cities, and communities to harness the power of data-driven insights through easy-to-use, no-code tools that transform how they understand and optimize their environments.

Representing Central Florida on a Global Stage

Startup World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious startup competitions, and we’re proud to represent the vibrant and growing innovation ecosystem of Orlando. Central Florida is a central hub for a lot of the emerging tech we see today, especially in the 3D and simulation space, and we’re thrilled to be one of those selected to showcase the incredible work coming out of this region on September 18th.

This will be a great chance for us to demonstrate how Agora World is democratizing site intelligence—from smart city planning to energy optimization and beyond. With real-time 3D visualizations, our platform is changing the way companies and municipalities approach critical decision-making, reducing costs, improving outcomes, and building a more resilient future.

Stay Tuned—Exciting Things Are on the Horizon

There’s no slowing down from here. We’ve got another huge announcement coming next week that we can’t wait to share, so be sure to stay tuned!

Agora World Named Top 7 PropTech Company Globally by QBE

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:53:12 GMT

I’m thrilled to announce that Agora World has been selected as a Semi-Finalist in the QBE Insurance AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge under the PropTech Track ! We’re honored to stand among just 7 Proptech Companies globally , and this recognition is a major milestone on our journey toward reshaping the future of urban planning and community resilience through 3D visualization and digital twin technology.

A Vision for the Future: Resiliency, Equity, and Sustainability

At Agora World, our mission has always been to create solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also set the stage for a more resilient and equitable future. The QBE AcceliCITY program gives us the perfect platform to demonstrate the profound impact of 3D visualization in areas such as:

Resiliency: Help cities and companies plan for and respond to natural disasters and other disruptions. With the ability to simulate real-world conditions in real time, we empower decision-makers to prepare more effectively for natural disasters or even infrastructure failures.
Equity: Cities are complex ecosystems where access to resources, infrastructure, and opportunities isn’t always evenly distributed. By visualizing socio-economic and other vital data as well as infrastructure in a 3D environment, Agora World’s technology enables stakeholders to better understand these disparities and craft more equitable solutions.
Sustainability: From optimizing energy efficiency in buildings to improving the management of natural resources, our platform brings data to life, helping communities make smarter, more sustainable choices that benefit future generations.

Next Steps: Deepening Our Impact

This recognition as a semi-finalist is just the beginning. We’re eager to dive deeper into the QBE AcceliCITY program and showcase how our no-code platform empowers cities and businesses to make more informed decisions, transforming how they plan, build, and protect their communities.

As we move forward in the competition, we’re excited to explore new opportunities for collaboration with city leaders, insurance companies, and organizations committed to improving urban resilience. We believe that 3D technology and digital twins will play an essential role in transforming how cities operate, making them safer, smarter, and more adaptive to the challenges of tomorrow.

A Team Effort: Thank You

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of our team, the support of our partners, and the guidance of our incredible advisors. Your belief in Agora World’s vision has propelled us to this exciting point, and together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in urban planning and resilient communities.

We’re looking forward to the next phase of this challenge and can’t wait to share more updates as we continue this journey.

Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!

Agora World Selected as Finalist for QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:52:23 GMT

We are super excited to share that Agora World has been selected as a Top 100 Resiliency Solution for the 2024 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge in the Smart City Track! ��

Our no-code 3D digital twin technology empowers organizations to visualize data in 3D and improve risk assessments, real-time monitoring, disaster simulations, and predictive analytics, making cities smarter and more resilient.

Agora World Showcases Cutting-Edge 3D Data Visualization at Florida Venture Forum

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 21:14:06 GMT

At the recent Florida Venture Forum , Agora World demonstrated the power and versatility of our 3D data visualization technology. Our CEO, Ethan Berg , presented a compelling one-minute pitch that highlighted our innovative solutions and their transformative potential across various industries. You can see that pitch below:

Agora World’s technology is revolutionizing how enterprises handle data, providing real-time 3D visualizations that offer unparalleled insights and efficiency. Our tools enable users to turn complex data sets into easily understandable 3D models, fostering better decision-making and strategic planning.

During the presentation, Ethan showcased some of our most successful use cases, including:

On-Site Training and Retail: Demonstrations of our work with Hyundai and Audi, where our visualizations have enhanced training programs and customer experiences.
Emergency Planning: Highlighting collaborations with the Red Cross and QBE, showcasing how our technology aids in disaster preparedness and response.
Architectural Visualizations: Examples from Henderson Land and Sino in Hong Kong, and various groups in Philadelphia, demonstrating how our 3D models assist in planning and development.
Telecom Solutions: Our projects with Huawei and American Tower, illustrating how we optimize network planning and infrastructure management.
Medical Facility Simulations: Showcasing how our technology is used to simulate and plan complex medical facilities, improving design and functionality.
CES Las Vegas and Burning Man: Highlighting our involvement in creating immersive experiences at major events.
DoD Training Simulations: Demonstrating our work in developing advanced training environments for the Department of Defense.
Hybrid Reality Experiences: Featuring our project at Top Golf in Vegas, where we combined physical and digital experiences for an engaging user experience.

Our pitch also included notable collaborations and accolades, such as the Cesium Ecosystem Grant , being selected as a Top 100 resiliency solution for the 2024 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge , and recognized as a Global Proptech Finalist by Hong Kong Science and Technology Park .

The response at the Florida Venture Forum made it clear: teams of all sizes are looking for simpler and quicker ways to visualize their data in 3D. Agora World is meeting this demand head-on by continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D data visualization. We're committed to lowering the barrier to entry so everyone has access to these incredible tools.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand our reach and capabilities in the ever-evolving landscape of data visualization and immersive technologies.

Top 100 Entrepreneurs Selected to Move to Next Stage of the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:21:23 GMT

NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 5, 2024 — QBE North America is pleased to announce that, of the more than 740 entries submitted to the AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge this year, the top 100 Smart City solutions have been selected to advance to the next stage of the competition.

Now in its sixth year in collaboration with Leading Cities, the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge is open to global entrepreneurs who have developed pioneering ideas to tackle risk, equity and sustainability challenges in urban environments. The Smart City Track winners will receive up to $150,000 in prize money to fund a city pilot project, as well as publicity, mentoring and access to exclusive online courses.

Agora World and SurfWisely Forge Alliance to Enhance Cyber Safety in the Digital Age

Thu, 09 May 2024 18:47:53 GMT

MetaRick: From Selling Coffees to Building Virtual Worlds, Ethan Berg - Founder & CEO at Agora World (#25)

Mon, 06 May 2024 19:27:37 GMT

" The XR community attracts so many interesting people. People that inspire me. Some of them are behavioral scientists, visionary creatives, technical geniuses.

Others are hustlers. Young people who see an opportunity. An opportunity to build the future they want to live in with their friends and with their families.

Ethan Berg brings some really incredible energy into the industry and I feel so much inspiration after our conversation.

He caught the entrepreneur bug in college selling coffees to kids on campus, almost like a more thoughtful version of the classic lemonade stand ☕️ ��

Then he tried VR and everything changed. Like me, he's not a coder or a design expert. He's a guy who see's problems and has a passion for building solutions.

With Agora World he's building a no code solution for virtual world creation.

They started by plugging into Shopify and providing fully immersive virtual reality shopping experiences, and since pivoted more into web based creation. Almost like the wix or squarespace of the metaverse.

Really enjoyed learning more about his story and excited to share it with you." - Ricky Huock (MetaRick)

Agora World Advances to EPiC 2024 Global Finals in Hong Kong!

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:56:51 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Agora World has been selected as a Global Proptech Finalist for EPiC 2024 , hosted by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)!

The competition features a unique twist: a one-minute pitch delivered in an elevator traveling from floor 1 to 100 . It's the ultimate elevator pitch, and we are ready to take it to the next level—literally!

Our experience in Hong Kong for the Global Finals was nothing short of amazing. It was fantastic to reconnect with old friends and meet incredible founders from all around the world. You could feel the energy and innovation in the air and we are honored to be part of such a prestigious event.

We owe a huge thanks to HKSTP for bringing us here and recognizing us as a PropTech finalist. The competition was even advertised on every flight in and out of Hong Kong (see below image)!

Stay tuned for more updates as we strive to make our mark on the global stage :)

Acquisition International Most Innovative Immersive Experience Platform 2024

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:27:52 GMT

Stankevicius: Exclusive talk with industry’s known educator Dr. Jasmin Cowin

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:46:43 GMT

"Success in the forthcoming year, from my perspective, centers on advancing my research and practical applications within metaverses like Agora World. This endeavor aims to revolutionize educational spaces for educators in training, both domestically and internationally. By integrating cutting-edge virtual environments, the goal is to transcend traditional learning methodologies, offering immersive and interactive experiences that cater to the evolving needs of educators and students."

Startup Wise Guys’ Insider Review by Agora World’s Co-Founder Ethan Berg

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:40:21 GMT

Meet Ethan from Agora World

Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your startup?

A: Yeah. Hi, I’m Ethan Berg, the founder and CEO of Agora World. We’re creating Canva and WordPress for 3D. Our mission is to simplify 3D creation, enabling everyone to create their metaverse and immersive social experiences for brands, communities, and teams. I prefer not to use the term metaverse, though.

Q: How did you come up with this idea?

A: I started building this as a student at university with the initial goal of creating a meaningful experience for graduating friends. Traditional social media and communication tools like Zoom and FaceTime lacked the sense of reality and the creation of new memories. I aimed to build a VR shopping platform back in 2019, pre-COVID, even though I’m not a developer by background.

Q: Why VR shopping?

A: The idea was to strengthen bonds with friends leaving and continue making memories together. However, the challenge arose when I realized the limitations of creating 3D and VR experiences, especially for someone without a coding background. While tools like Canva or Wix exist for other purposes, the 3D and VR space was considerably limited, even with the emergence of AI implementations.

Picking Startup Wise Guys

Q: Why Startup Wise Guys?

A: We were advised to apply by Amy Peck, a significant influencer in the space. The decision to participate was made on the same day we received a compelling offer to purchase the company. What drew me initially was the way they communicated, their goals, their vision. I respect Cristobal and the team, and that played a crucial role in our decision.

Q: What stood out about Startup Wise Guys?

A: Listening to podcasts and absorbing their vision, particularly their perspective on Y Combinator not being something that every startup can participate in, resonated with me. The idea of democratizing and making a program like that accessible to the rest of the world aligns with our ethos. They addressed the question of what happens to the countless startups globally that don’t get chosen for Y Combinator but have opportunities to flourish. This, coupled with insights on running a business, such as the impracticality of the “Uber mentality” of raising billions without a sustainable plan, appealed to me. Not to mention their successful early investments in countless companies I’ve come to know and love such as Read Player Me and Bolt.

Q: Can you elaborate on the practical approach?

A: The emphasis on building something substantial but doing it practically was a key takeaway. They spoke candidly about the importance of having a practical dream, and actualizable in both the short-term and long-term. This resonated with the values my father instilled in me about responsible business growth. The goal is to build something huge, but the approach must be grounded and sustainable. We are glad we took the opportunity to work with Startup Wise Guys.

Q: How was the application process? Do you remember it at all?

A: The calls stand out in my memory, considering they are Europe-based, and I’m on the United States East Coast. They hadn’t accepted many teams from the US at that point. Our cohort had three teams from North America—two from the US and one from Canada. The initial calls, especially during the virtual kickoff before meeting in person, were challenging due to the time difference. The interviews for acceptance were from two to four am, and I vividly remember staying awake with coffee until midnight or waking up after a quick power nap. It was grueling, but in the end, it was worth it.

A Day in the Life during the Startup Wise Guys Program

Q: Can you describe a typical day during the program?

A: Mostly virtual, with three weeks in person at the beginning and about a week and a half at the end. Unlike most teams that went home, I stayed in Europe for the entire period. While not in person every day, I met people from various teams, cohorts, and their portfolios at different locations around Europe. It was a unique experience for me, considering others returned to their families and responsibilities. Being on the younger side, it was a decision I could make for myself, which turned out to be a good one. There was usually daily if not every other day programming which lasted a few hours. The sessions ranged from experts from various fields coming in to speak with us to group discussions with the other cohort members, pitches and every other week was a new sprint focused on a new topic so while we didn’t meet daily there were definitely things to accomplish every day. While rigorous, we went through a ton of vital exercises, some of which I had done before but was important to think through again. Some were more challenging than others so some weeks felt lighter than others and allowed me more time to focus on other aspects of our business. Ultimately, least for us and from our perspective, we ended the program is a better and more confident place than we started the program without a question.

Q: What did your typical day involve?

A: Meetings, or I don’t want to call them meetings—more like different types of programs. It varied every day or every other day. Some weeks were light, focusing on implementation where the goal was to put what we were learning into practice.

Q: How much funding did you receive from the accelerator, and was it in exchange for equity?

A: We received a hundred thousand euros for this program. The funding arrangement involved a convertible note.

The Program’s Value

Q: Beyond the funding, can you pinpoint a particular moment where the accelerator proved its worth?

A: The pivotal moment was understanding why we were doing what we were doing. Not just the what, but the why. The program emphasized the importance of starting with why, a concept I value from Simon Sinek. No one cares about what you do; they care about why you do it. Over time, I became more comfortable explaining our mission and quickly conveying it to others. That boost in clarity was invaluable.

Q: How did this impact your approach?

A: It allowed me to communicate more effectively, especially during elevator pitches. Being able to articulate our mission quickly and having people understand it was a significant achievement. Additionally, the exposure to their team, as well as people from their portfolio in various countries, broadened my learning. Being in Europe for six weeks to study abroad, courtesy of the program, provided insights into different business practices and cultures. This understanding, coupled with personal growth, contributed to becoming a better leader, ultimately benefiting our company.

Q: In what ways did the program contribute to personal growth?

A: The program not only benefited the company but also facilitated my personal growth. It provided an opportunity to learn and apply those learnings back to the company. Gaining insights into diverse business landscapes and cultures, both in Europe and through the network connections facilitated by the program, allowed me to become a more well-rounded leader, bringing back valuable lessons to our company.

Q: What would you say was one of the greatest challenges during the program, and how did you overcome it?

A: One of the challenges during the program was the two AMs and four AM calls. If you ask any of the North American founders, they’d likely say the same—it was difficult at the beginning. Late-night or early-morning calls were not ideal and posed a significant challenge.

Q: What achievements has your company made post-accelerator?

A: The major milestone for us is the upcoming beta launch on December 8th. Over the past eight months, our focus has been on crafting a better experience for creating 3D content. This involved creating a new UI/UX, implementing brand-new functionality, and completely automating certain aspects, including our sales pipeline.

Q: How would you describe the change in the growth trajectory of your startup since completing the accelerator?

A: Our growth potential timeline has significantly accelerated. The primary reason for joining the program was the recognition that there’s much I don’t know, and I wanted to learn. The program compressed a vast amount of learning into a short period. It was dense, and I would encourage others, especially from the US, to take the opportunity to stay. It was the most transformational experience, and I learned more in six months than I thought possible. The insights gained not only pertained to business but extended to personal growth, cultural understanding, and more. Being physically present there provided more value than a virtual experience. The program has undoubtedly expedited our growth timeline substantially.

Advice for Accelerator Applications

Q: Do you have any advice for those looking to apply to this accelerator or any other accelerator?

A: Understand that the application process may take a while, and getting denied is part of the journey. Treat each application as a learning opportunity. The questions asked in these applications are the same ones any investor would want to know, so your message becomes more refined with each application. For instance, keep a record of your applications, creating a Google Drive folder.

Over time, you can refer back to previous applications, see what worked and what didn’t, and make improvements. Persistence is key—getting a “yes” might not happen on the first attempt, and that’s okay. It’s a journey, and staying organized in your approach will be beneficial. Remember, it’s an incredible opportunity, and I can speak from my experience with Startup Wise Guys, which was a 10 out of 10.

VentureBeat: Building a ‘virtual Vegas’ in honor of CES

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:54:08 GMT

With the Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) taking place this week, I wanted to explore how easy it would be for a developer to create a digital twin of Las Vegas that can be accessed from any computer with a quick download.

I’ve heard lots of hype about new no-code tools that allow anyone to rapidly create virtual experiences, but I’ve been skeptical that it can be done quickly by creative designers with no programming skills .

To test whether the reality lives up to the hype, I challenged Agora World CEO Ethan Berg to create a digital twin of Las Vegas in 20 minutes or less without writing any code. To be specific, I asked him to build an immersive experience that would place me at my hotel (the Luxor) and that would give me a virtual path I could follow from the hotel to the convention center. And, along the way, I asked him to toss in a few virtual elements that point out notable locations that I might be interested in....

Agora World Beta Launch

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:53:47 GMT

"We believe in making creative tools accessible to everyone, anywhere, fostering individual privacy and organizational transparency. Our commitment is to an open community without gatekeeping, where enriching experiences and deep social connections can flourish"

Today marks a big day in our journey building Agora World as we officially launch our no-code metaverse creation tools into Public Beta! Our all-new “ 3Design Suite” , which our customers and partners have likened to “Canva for 3D”, - is a culmination of all that we’ve learned from our community of creators, our first-hand experiences, and the dreams I've had since stepping into the XR world five years ago. Our vision was clear: to create a tool like Canva, Wix, or Bubble, but for 3D content and immersive experiences. Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of Agora World 3Design Suite V1.0, a testament to this vision.

Why We’re Building It: Our Ethos

Agora World is driven by our dedication to democratize 3D creation. At the heart of Agora World's evolution lies our unwavering commitment to democratizing 3D creation. This means not only can anyone create but everyone should be able to access our tools no matter what device they have. With the rollout of the Agora World 3Design Suite Beta, we're not just introducing new features; we're breaking down barriers and empowering a global community of creators. Our suite of no-code tools and intuitive interfaces ensures that anyone, irrespective of their technical background, can rapidly prototype, launch, iterate, and bring their visions to life in the Metaverse. From the streamlined drag-and-drop functionalities to the seamless integration of custom content, every enhancement has been thoughtfully designed to make 3D creation more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable.

We believe that the power to create should be in everyone's hands, and our platform is a testament to this belief. By simplifying complex processes and providing robust support for creators at every step, Agora World is redefining what it means to be a creator in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a first-time designer, our platform is a canvas for your imagination, ensuring that your creative spirit knows no bounds.

If you’d like a detailed breakdown of our Ethos and Community guidelines, please read at this link .

Our Personal Journey: From Challenges to Solutions

Our team understands this problem firsthand, as our journey into the world of virtual reality and 3D creation began with a vision in 2019 – to build a VR shopping platform . As a non-coder, I quickly encountered the harsh realities of the tech world. The process was anything but straightforward. It involved an overwhelming investment of time, money, and resources, only to realize a year later that the market wasn't ready for such an innovation. This experience was both a challenge and an eye-opener.

I remember asking myself, "Is this what every creative individual without coding skills has to endure? Why isn't there a more accessible way to bring ideas to life?" These questions kept lingering in my mind. They highlighted a glaring gap in the digital creation landscape – a lack of tools that cater to non-coders who are brimming with ideas but constrained by technical limitations.

This personal struggle ignited a spark within me. It became clear that if I was facing these challenges, surely others were too. This realization was the turning point – the moment Agora World transitioned from a mere idea to a mission. A mission to democratize the creation of virtual worlds, to build a platform where anyone, regardless of their coding expertise, could bring their visions to life.

The journey wasn't easy. It was filled with trials and errors, learning and unlearning, but every step was a step towards creating a more inclusive and empowering digital world. Today, as I look back, every hurdle seems worth it. Each obstacle faced has shaped Agora World into what it is now – a testament to the belief that creativity should not be bound by technical barriers.

What We’ve Built (Our Beta at a Glance):

Our Progress Since Alpha Launch in July 2022:

Since the early access launch of our 3Design Suite back in July 2022, and our core focus on Simplifying 3D Creation, we've witnessed remarkable growth and creativity.

Over 900 creators and brands have crafted 2000+ custom 3D designs and immersive experiences ( we had just 60 custom 3D designs in July 2022)
Collaboration with top brands like Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen and more as well as with top 3D design agencies such as Polycount.io, Voxbox, Big Rock Creative, and Blind Burners ( our agency partner waitlist exceeds 200)
Inaugural grant from Cesium and partnership with Google to Simplify Digital Twin Creation
Partnerships with NVIDIA, Google, Unity, Ready Player Me, Blockade Labs, Unanimous AI, Intuitive Research and Technology, and more.
Recognized by top publications like Applied Technology Review (Top 10 Most Promising Metaverse Solutions Providers 2023) and CIO Applications (top 10 no code / low code platform in 2022/2023).
Participating in Startup Wise Guys XR Accelerator Program and pitching and speaking at events like LG Nova Innovation Festival , PACT Capital Conference, We Make Future Conference, and more.
Taught XR Classes at UPenn and NYU

Key Team Additions:

We’ve also brought the best and brightest to join the Agora World family:

Cory Warfield (Chief Growth Officer) - Bringing a wealth of experience with multiple startups, a successful exit, and a strong presence as a Top 15 Voice on LinkedIn for VR, AI, and Web3, along with a following of over 500,000 on LinkedIn.
Louis Rosenberg (Advisory Board): Created the first functional augmented reality system at the Air Force, 300+ patents AR/VR & AI. Currently, he is the Founder and CEO at Unanimous AI, developing Swarm AI® technology that amplifies human intelligence, empowering groups to optimize their collective knowledge, wisdom, and insights, as well as Chief Scientist for Responsible Metaverse Alliance and Global Technology Advisor for XR Safety Initiative.
Richard Ward (Advisory Board): Former Global Lead for Enterprise VR at McKinsey. 30yrs in large enterprises, 10yrs+ working with leading brands and Fortune 500s to explore, create, and publish immersive experiences. Currently he operates as a Metaverse Expert at BCG.
Michael Potts (Advisory Board): Founder and CEO of Polycount.io, the #1 Metaverse architecture and design firm on the planet, with 25yrs as an architect, and 20yrs in XR. His team has created immersive experiences for 20+ Fortune 500 brands including McDonalds, Sour Patch Kids, the Utah Jazz, and more.

Looking Ahead - The Ultimate Edutainment Platform for Brands

As we look towards the future with Agora World V2.0, our ambition is to establish ourselves as the one-stop shop for brands to create engaging immersive social experiences . Envisioning an 'Edutainment Platform for Brands,' we aim to offer a streamlined and seamless experience that aligns and is in-sync with their existing channels. Our focus is on delivering a solution that not only captivates audiences but also integrates effortlessly with a brand’s overall digital strategy, creating a cohesive and interactive brand presence. This begins with immersive experiences such as product showcasing and market research but extends further to training, retail and so much more. It all comes down to these 4 key pillars: Simplicity, Extendability, Scalability, and Collaborativity.

Help Needed

For Creators, Educators, and Brands:

Are you ready to explore the immersive world of 3D creation? Whether you're taking your first step into this exciting realm or seeking a more efficient and affordable way to bring your ideas to life, Agora World's 3Design Suite is your gateway. Don't just imagine the possibilities – create them. Start creating today!

Need Assistance or Inspiration?

If you're wondering where to begin or need a helping hand in your creative journey, we're here for you. Reach out to us for guidance, inspiration, and support in making your vision a reality. Let's build incredible experiences together. Contact us now!

Join Our Mission:

Passionate about democratizing 3D creation? We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our vision. Whether you're a developer, designer, or visionary, your skills and enthusiasm could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Agora World. Let's make a difference together – join our team!

Investors:

Exciting news – we've just secured our lead investor for our seed round, raising $400k. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we invite you to be a part of it. If you see the potential in Agora World and want to invest in a future where creativity knows no bounds, we want to hear from you. Invest in innovation – contact us for investment opportunities.

We invite creators, educators, brands, and investors to explore and contribute to the Agora World ecosystem. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate. You can also contact us at info [at] agoraworld.io if you like what we’re working on and want to become more heavily involved (both creatively and with funding support).

In addition to internal positions we are seeking to fill, we are always looking to collaborate with external creators and visionaries that are just as passionate about our mission as we are.

Let’s Democratize 3D Creation Together:

We’re extremely excited for you to try our Beta and see your creations + feedback! You can sign up for immediate access here (click “Start Building Today”).

Big thanks to everyone who's been part of this ride – you know who you are. Your ideas, feedback, and energy are what drive Agora World forward. We're just getting started, and there's so much more to come. Stay with us, keep pushing the boundaries, and let's see how far we can take this. Here's to making awesome stuff together in the Metaverse. Cheers!

Contact info [at] agoraworld.io to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

From Coffee Sales to Virtual Realms: The Journey of Agora World’s Founder, Ethan Berg and More

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:58:21 GMT

Introduction:

In the realm of virtual experiences, where 3D creation often seems like a distant and complex landscape, Ethan Berg stands out as the visionary founder of Agora World. Agora World Described as the “Canva for 3D, is a no-code approach for allowing individuals and teams to prototype, collaborate, and bring their virtual visions to life. Ethan, however, didn’t begin with coding or immersive technologies but rather with something as tangible as coffee sales.

Ethan’s Early Days:

Ethan’s venture into the world of technology began as a student at Temple University in Philadelphia. While in school Ethan navigated the world of entrepreneurship by operating a flourishing coffee company while pursuing his education. But unlike many tech entrepreneurs, Ethan comes from something other than a background of coding and programming. His passion for immersive experiences grew from his love of video games and a pivotal moment with a VR headset during his junior year where he said, “I tried it, and I just remember being in a shooting gallery, and some random person came up to me. We were looking eye to eye....

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience: Teaching Emerging Technology at NYU Stern

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:59:15 GMT

I recently had the opportunity to engage with students at NYU Stern School of Business, both as a teacher and a panelist. This experience was not only a chance to share my journey but also to collaborate with and learn from notable individuals like Blake Carrington from Pratt Institute.

Teaching the MBA class on Emerging Technology was a thrilling experience. The energy and curiosity of the students were palpable and their enthusiasm and insightful questions about the evolving roles of Artificial Intelligence and immersive technology in business showcased their readiness to embrace these technologies. A stark difference from when I was a student.

The discussions reminded me a lot of my own path, starting Agora World as a business student and non-coder at Temple University in 2019, and exploring the practical applications of XR beyond its then gaming-dominated scope. It was amazing to see how far technology has come in just a few short years.

Additionally, I was able to participate in a panel discussion alongside Blake Carrington from Pratt Institute, which provided a unique platform to discuss Generative AI and its implications.

One of the most gratifying moments was witnessing the students' reactions to Agora World's platform. Their excitement and amazement, especially during a late Thursday evening class, was a testament to the impact and potential of immersive technology. It was incredibly fulfilling to see their genuine reactions of surprise and delight as they explored brand experiences powered by our platform.

I extend my gratitude to Alex Tuzhilin and Nick Katsivelos for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the educational journey of these bright minds. Their dedication to integrating practical insights with academic learning was invaluable. I wish I had more opportunities like this as a student. This experience at NYU Stern was not just about teaching ; it was a vivid demonstration of the value and impact of immersive technology and 3D content, especially as major brands are actively utilizing it today.

It was a perfect illustration of how transformative these experiences truly are and the incredible potential that lies ahead with the bright minds ready to lead industry into the future.

The best ways to maintain work-life balance with starting a startup or small business?

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:54:58 GMT

The best ways to maintain work-life balance with starting a startup or small business?

Starting a business can take many forms, and not every way is best for every entrepreneur/industry/situation. We've gathered together an ever-growing list of entrepreneurs, and they have agreed to share the how they maintain a work-life balance while pursuing a startup or small business.

The Art of Prioritization
Ethan Berg - Agora World

"Achieving work-life balance when starting a startup or small business hinges on mastering the art of prioritization, recognizing that your time is a finite resource that must be allocated according to evolving demands and goals. It's about accepting that balance is not a static state but more like a pendulum, where some weeks will require a a business-focus, while others allow you to prioritize your personal life. The key is to remain flexible, setting clear boundaries when necessary and being willing to reassess and adjust these boundaries as your personal circumstances evolve. Ultimately, the balance is achieved over time through a consistent, mindful approach to prioritization, ensuring that neither work nor life consistently overshadows the other."

Embracing Innovation and Connection at LG NOVA Innovation Festival

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 23:13:44 GMT

More Than Tech: Fostering Human Connections in a Digital Age

In the heart of innovation at the LG NOVA Innovation Festival, I was surrounded by the future: XR, health tech, AI – the list goes on. It was here, among the buzz of groundbreaking ideas, I had the unique privilege to not just witness but actively contribute to the changing world. Sharing the stage with founders who are shaping our tomorrow was a profound reminder of the power of collective aspirations. However, it was the unscripted, human moments that left an indelible mark on me, underscoring the irreplaceable value of the #humanelement in our increasingly digital lives.

Pitching on the Big Stage

Stepping onto the platform at LG NOVA, I was prepared to share the Agora World story just once. However, life often has its own script, and unexpectedly, I was lucky enough to be given a second chance to present.

While there, it kept hitting me about how my team wasn't able to join me for the journey. There was a virtual essence to the event but it's so disconnecting - what if they could've been there with me?

Everyone at the conference had a colleague, a friend, or a family member that wishes they could've been there too - but couldn't make it. FOMO is a real thing but we all know that we can't be everyone with everyone at once. There are times we are apart. But again I'll ask the question, what if you could be there even when you're not?

The Human Element in a Digital World

Each interaction at the festival was a reminder of the duality we live in: connected yet apart, present yet distant. It's this paradox that drives us at Agora World. We're working to breathe life into our digital experiences, ensuring that every connection made online feels as real and as human as our interactions in person. Our digital platforms shouldn't be a compromise on presence; they should be an extension of it.

Ethan Berg with Eric Jang, Founder and CEO of Deepbrain AI

Overcoming Distance with Technology

As I navigated the conference, the empty space beside me where my team should have stood was more than just physical—it was a reminder of the potential we have yet to fulfill. Our work at Agora World is an ode to this very challenge: creating spaces where distance is dissolved and presence is more than a physical condition—it's a feeling, a reality crafted by technology that transcends boundaries.

The Journey of Innovation at Agora World

Agora World isn't just a concept or a platform; it's a bridge between the physical and digital realms. We are at the forefront of crafting immersive experiences that embody the ethos of being present. It's about turning the 'what ifs' into 'what is'—making it possible for teams, families, and communities to stand together, to share moments, and to collaborate in ways that feel as natural and intuitive as being there in person.

Ethan and Tess Robinson of Slay Ventures

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

My solo trip to the LG NOVA Innovation Festival was made less solitary by the encouragement from afar and the support on the ground. Thank you to our beyond supportive investors, Tess Robinson and Slay Ventures for coming! Ryan Wang, your insights are shaping our path forward. To all the pioneers I encountered: Dr. David Zargaryan, Winston Choe, Alex Fang, James Hamet—it's the collective vision that drives us, the shared moments of understanding, that fuel our journey toward a more connected world.

Conclusion

The LG NOVA Innovation Festival was an embodiment of the future—a future where technology and human experience converge in meaningful ways. As I look back, I am filled with hope and determination. The questions we ask today pave the way for the solutions we live tomorrow. Let's continue to question, to challenge, and to innovate—for a world where we can truly be together, irrespective of the miles between us.

Come dream with us at Agora World. Tell us about the moments that brought you closer to others, no matter how far apart you were. Let's work together to create a space where every online interaction, meeting, chat, or collaboration feels as real and warm as if we were face-to-face.

What's your idea of a future where tech brings us all closer? Let's talk about it and make it happen, together.

Agora World Accepted into NVIDIA Inception Program

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:43:44 GMT

Agora World is thrilled to be accepted into the highly esteemed NVIDIA Inception Program, known for nurturing groundbreaking startups shaping the future.

From Omniverse to Neuralangelo , and their many other groundbreaking tools , together we can more quickly succeed in truly democratizing the creation of 3D content and immersive social experiences.

We at Agora World are honored to join this vibrant community and can't wait to collaborate with other members and the greater community.

Virtual Reality (VR) Collaboration Platform Market to Witness Steady Growth in 2023-2030 | The Wild, Mozilla, Yulio Technologies

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 04:25:11 GMT

The latest report from Global Market Vision, which includes the impact of COVID19 on “ Virtual Reality (VR) Collaboration Platforms Market Size, Share, Growth, Industry Trends and Forecasts to 2030,” provides historical and forecast market data, demand, We provide detailed coverage of the industry and key market trends along with application details. Pricing trends and company share of leading virtual reality (VR) collaboration platforms by region. This report also studies the Virtual Reality (VR) Collaboration Platforms market status, competitive landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels and distributors. This report splits the market size by volume and value based on application, type, and region.

Agora World: A Glimpse into the Future of Technology in Language Teaching and Learning by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:12:33 GMT

Immersive language learning environments allow students to engage themselves in real-life situations, experiencing language learning in a more interactive and engaging way. Using Agora World as an example, this material review explores the applications of virtual reality and multimedia technologies for language education. The review will contextualize the historical origins of virtual worlds, metaverses, avatars and language acquisition. Pedagogical applications will focus on use cases for language for specific purposes, where language is used in specific contexts or subsets of tasks and skills. In addition, skill-based assessments for language learners in immersive spaces will be discussed. The materials review will conclude by looking forward, hypothesizing on the future of digital language education transformation, and exploring possible macro trends in the future of language learning.

Agora World: Build your own Space in the Metaverse easily and NO Coding

Sat, 27 May 2023 03:37:42 GMT

Huge amounts of money are being invested in the metaverse, an alternative world where you can work, play and meet people without leaving home.

In Snow Crash, the science fiction novel written by Neal Stephenson and published in 1992, in which the term “Metaverse” is mentioned for the first time. In its pages, the protagonist, Hiro Protagonist, navigates the virtual world.

Since 2003, millions of people have been working, playing and interacting in the metaverse of the online world Second Life.

Cesium announces first four grant recipients

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:18:08 GMT

Less than two months after introducing Cesium Ecosystem Grants, the company has awarded their first four grants targeting the 3D geospatial ecosystem.

Last week, Cesium announced the first four recipients of their Ecosystem Grants, their “commitment to fuel innovation, increase interoperability, lower the barrier for entry, and expand the 3D geospatial ecosystem.” They will continue to hand out grants on a rolling basis, but the first four to be awarded grants from the 3D geospatial company were: Ethan Berg of Agora World, Emma Hain of North Road, the Hidenori Watanave Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, and Peter Kimberley of Gradata Systems.

Cesium first announced their new Ecosystem Grants program back in late March, continuing the company’s foundation in the idea that, in order for the 3D geospatial ecosystem to reach its full potential, openness needs to be a defining characteristic. This program includes a pool of $1 million (USD) in funding, with recipients receiving grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 while retaining full ownership of their work. In looking for recipients, impact, innovation, viability, inclusion, and openness are the broad criteria for which Cesium has said they are looking, with the general idea that grants will “positively impact the 3D geospatial ecosystem.”

Below is some information about the four initial grantees from Cesium’s Ecosystem Grants, with text in italics from Cesium's announcement of the news.

GeoForAll: Simplifying 3D Geospatial Metaverse Creation

Recipient: Ethan Berg, Agora World, Philadelphia, PA, USA

“Agora World offers a user-friendly, no-code 3D geospatial metaverse design platform, democratizing access to and empowering users to create immersive experiences.”

This is a clear alignment with Cesium’s ethos and the idea behind these grants, as Agora World’s goal is to make it easier to create these 3D ecosystems. That’s something that will become more in demand in the coming years as technology allows easier experience in these worlds, and not everyone who wants to create one will have the technical know-how to do so well. That’s what the GeoForAll project is aiming to counteract. Agora World currently has solutions for virtual events, interactive education experiences, business use cases, and digital twins.

Press Release: Agora World Named Inaugural Recipient of Cesium Ecosystem Grants

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:04:54 GMT

PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) May 23, 2023 -- Agora World is thrilled to be selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the Cesium Ecosystem Grants . Our project, GeoForAll, aims to democratize access to advanced 3D geospatial technology by integrating Cesium's powerful capabilities into our user-friendly platform. From urban planning and environmental impact assessments to virtual tourism and military training simulations, the integration will facilitate the creation of immersive, geographically accurate metaverse experiences without requiring coding skills.

Cesium Announces First Ecosystem Grant Recipients

Mon, 22 May 2023 04:07:36 GMT

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia-based software company Cesium has announced the inaugural recipients of Cesium Ecosystem Grants.

Cesium Ecosystem Grants is a $1 million fund to support projects that fuel innovation, increase interoperability, and expand the 3D geospatial ecosystem.

The first recipients are:

GeoForAll: Simplifying 3D Geospatial Metaverse Creation

Ethan Berg, Agora World, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Agora World offers a user-friendly, no-code 3D geospatial metaverse design platform, democratizing access to and empowering users to create immersive experiences.

Market Research Analyst: Retail in the Metaverse

Fri, 19 May 2023 04:03:05 GMT

The Global Retail Sector in the Metaverse is an emerging market that is experiencing rapid growth. According to a recent report from the Metaverse Research Institute, the sector is expected to reach a market value of $500 billion by 2024. The Metaverse, a collective virtual shared space created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality, is transforming the retail landscape, enabling immersive experiences and novel opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

Cesium Announces First Ecosystem Grant Recipients

Wed, 17 May 2023 03:59:06 GMT

Just a month and a half ago Cesium launched Ecosystem Grants, our commitment to fuel innovation, increase interoperability, lower the barrier for entry, and expand the 3D geospatial ecosystem.

Today, we are proud to announce the first four grant recipients. This cohort of recipients impressed us with their commitment to opening the 3D geospatial ecosystem and further using it to solve entrenched challenges. We asked for applications that proved impact beyond the recipient and we believe these projects are ready to do just that:

GeoForAll: Simplifying 3D Geospatial Metaverse Creation

Recipient: Ethan Berg, Agora World, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Agora World offers a user-friendly, no-code 3D geospatial metaverse design platform, democratizing access to and empowering users to create immersive experiences.

Investigating the entrepreneurial potential of immersive applications

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:51:01 GMT

Ethan Berg wants to help people build new worlds — professional-quality immersive, 3D spaces and experiences — without any coding skills. Berg (FOX ’20) is the CEO and co-founder of the startup Agora World Inc which offers a drag and drop no-code design space to create spaces for the metaverse.

Berg and Agora won Temple’s Idea Competition in 2021 as well as the Digital Innovation Award from the Digital Innovation Foundry (DIF), which included access to talent and resources. Today, Agora’s no-code platform accommodates users of all experience levels, from professional designers to those with minimal design background, making it an accessible solution for creating professional-quality 3D content and immersive social experiences,” Berg says. “What used to take a team, investment, and months to create now can be created quickly with no code.” Berg quickly saw the value of DIF talent and resources, to “study this space and get a better understanding of where we’re headed and where we can go.”

Philly’s tech meetups are back IRL. Here’s where to find a bunch of them in May

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:29:30 GMT

"There is a pent-up demand for local tech meetups, as people miss both the content and the fellowship," one organizer told us. Catch these groups at Philly Tech Week 2023.

Though the pandemic shuttered in-person meetups for at least a year, Philly’s tech community didn’t stop meeting.

Many turned virtual, or picked back up where they left off some time in 2021 or 2022. And in 2023, it’s clear that meetup groups in Philly have picked up steam.

8 startups shaping the future of extended reality

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:48:57 GMT

We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the eight visionary teams from across the globe who are embarking on our second XR Acceleration Program, which kicked off in Malaga, Spain. This is a journey that will challenge their limits and inspire them to push the boundaries of what’s possible with extended reality technology.

Our program offers these talented founders a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, gain real-world experience in extended reality development, and learn from cutting-edge industry experts. The selected startups will receive up to €100,000 convertible investment per startup and go through an intensive 5-month program – jam-packed with industry knowledge, expertise, and the prospect of connecting with over 500+ mentors and investors, and 700+ founders.

Dr. Jasmin Cowin and “The Mitzvah of Mezzuzah and Metaverses” featured in the Israel Herald

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 04:45:47 GMT

Interpretation and application of halakhah to new technologies focusing on metaverses, Oculus Quest or Rift and avatars is an underdiscussed field. The relevance of Jewish law in these spaces should be addressed in discussions between scholars, experts and users. The Mitzvah of Mezzuzah and the application of digital replicas based on physical objects is one example of a topic requiring further examination.

EdUp host Holly Owens features Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin on “Preparing Educators for the Complexities of 21st Century Classrooms”

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:43:25 GMT

This po dcast is a go-to resource to stay updated with the latest and greatest Ed Tech tools that are disturbing (in a good way) education. EdUp EdTech is hosted by Holly Owens, whose ability to break down the complex components of edtech makes us believe we can do anything when it comes to education! Join Holly each week as she hosts insightful guests from the world of educational technology.

Holly Owens, “In this episode, I got to chat with my friend, Dr. Jasmin Cowin from Touro University! Jasmin is an Assistant Professor of TESOL, Ed Tech guru, and lover of all things education. In this episode, you get to hear about Jasmine’s journey into education, her thoughts on jobs of the future, and what we should be doing to prepare our educators for 21st-century classrooms.”

Top 10 No Code Low Code Platform Solution Providers 2022

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:40:57 GMT

High Flying Owls - Beyond the Future

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 04:34:56 GMT

In this episode of High Flying Owls, host Dwight Carey is joined by Ethan Berg, co-founder and CEO of Agora World, Inc. Hear discussions about the metaverse, Berg’s mission with his company, and much more. As a previous student of Professor Carey’s, Berg shares some inspirational words for students in the same place he once was.

Creating the Human Element in our Digital Experiences

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 04:32:23 GMT

Ethan Berg is the Founder and CEO of Agora World. As a no code student founder with an idea at Temple University, Ethan saw firsthand how difficult it is to create an immersive, 3D social experience. Starting Agora with an original focus on creating the first VR Shopping Platform, Ethan learned from the years of time and the team he worked with to build it in order to make a pivot that would solve his own problem: a simpler way to create virtual experiences. Ethan went on to speak at HackPrinceton about the importance of the human element in our digital experiences and has since had over 20 appearances on panels, podcasts, tv shows and more. He wants to empower himself and others just like him to be able to actualize their imagination and share experiences with people from all across the world.

VOICE22 on Demand Session Recordings: Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin – AI, Avatars and 21st Century Simulation Training for Educators

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 23:00:20 GMT

Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin – AI, Avatars and 21st Century Simulation Training for Educators

AI and intelligent systems are positioned to become change agents in education through ushering in profound changes in institutional administrative functions, systemic strategic planning, and program planning. Post-pandemic, the explosive growth of fully-accredited online degrees has also reached teacher education programs. However, any online program in teacher education needs alternative pathways to support teacher candidates who are required to complete practicum and fieldwork hours.

This lightning talk focuses on reviewing, contrasting, and framing two distinct immersive ecosystems. Mursion and simSchool. While both platforms offer immersive experiences simSchool is AI-driven while Mursion employs mixed reality simulations. Both provide preservice teachers a platform to practice and rehearse the art and skill of teaching within a controlled simulation setting using avatars. Insights on evidence-based practices by teacher candidates are generated through data from both AI and candidates’ in-world experiences. Such data aggregation offers institutions informed decision-making through a systematic review using technology to improve teacher education programs.

Agora.io Startup Battleground 2022

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 03:30:07 GMT

RTE Startup Battleground is the early-stage startup competition for founders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from around the globe who are shaping the future of how we live, work and play in real-time together.

Got a blazing solution the world has yet to hear about? Now’s your chance to show off how your product can inspire, engage and transform lives.

Take the virtual stage to pitch your startup, and you can win part of the $25,000 prize pool!

How Swarm AI and VR Will Unlock Collaboration in the Metaverse

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 03:28:32 GMT

At the 2022 Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara, Unanimous AI and Agora World announced an exciting partnership to bring the Swarm software environment into the Metaverse. This partnership allows users within Agora World to amplify their collective intelligence to produce more accurate forecasts, reach better decisions, and optimize collaboration in virtual environments. From students to business teams to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), the powerful combination of Swarm AI and VR is unlocking the future of virtual teamwork.

101 Most Promising 3D Technology Startups with Seed Funding (United States)

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:26:54 GMT

At Just Funded Media we track over 1,000,000 recently funded startups and over 3,800,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and organisations we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.

We’ve ranked the top 101 3D Technology funded companies in United States. The companies, startups and institutions listed in this article are all exceptional companies, well worth a follow. We have included links to their websites, socials and CrunchBase (if you’re interested in their financials).

Ethan Berg is bringing people together, one experience at a time.

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 03:24:07 GMT

Ethan Berg is the founder of Agora World – a social experience platform which empowers creators to build the virtual world of their dreams, with no code. Agora World’s tools and services enable you to offer incredible immersive experiences such as virtual conferences, virtual stores, or custom experiences to connect directly with your community in the metaverse.

We had a chance to sit down with Ethan to learn more about his story. During our time, Ethan shares how he got started, his passion for building, and the future of the metaverse.

Game-ify the real world with Agora World

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 03:20:41 GMT

After experiencing virtual reality (VR) headset for the first time, Ethan Berg, BBA ’20, knew he wanted to bring VR to the masses in a new way.

“My dad brought home a VR headset, and it made me realize that this is the future and I want to be part of it,” says Berg.

Thus his idea for Agora World, a software platform that aims to incorporate virtual reality into everyday life, was born.

Democratizing the Creation of Virtual Worlds

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 03:18:40 GMT

This week we released a sandbox no-code metaverse creation tool into Early Access. With it, up to 100 people can simultaneously customize a 3D space. These creations can be saved as a template and applied to a digital event, allowing up to 50,000 people to experience your custom world at one time. As we continue to refine and extend this experience, we are constantly focused on both extreme ease of use and infinite power. These seem like opposites, but can actually be honed to compliment each other.

FRESH Takes on the Future of Work with Ethan Berg

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 03:16:26 GMT

On today’s episode of FRESH Takes On The Future Of Work, host Jess Podgajny is joined by Ethan Berg. Ethan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Agora World, a social experience platform where creators can build their own immersive experiences. Together, Jess and Ethan share their thoughts on furthering humanity in the workplace and life in the metaverse.

To Ethan, the future of work lies in passion, flexibility, and a more human-centric approach. Valuing the human experience, Ethan created Agora World to lower the barrier to entry to inter-personal connection. As a leader, he strives to facilitate an environment that embraces change and transitions us into the next stages of technology.

Agora World the #6 Best Pennsylvania Events Startup

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 03:14:15 GMT

This article showcases our top picks for the best Pennsylvania based Events companies. These startups and companies are taking a variety of approaches to innovating the Events industry, but are all exceptional companies well worth a follow.

We tried to pick companies across the size spectrum from cutting edge startups to established brands.

We selected these startups and companies for exceptional performance in one of these categories:

Unanimous AI and Agora World partner to bring Swarm Intelligence to the Metaverse

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 03:12:17 GMT

Swarm AI® technology empowers collaborating groups in virtual worlds to amplify their collective intelligence and generate more accurate decisions, forecasts, evaluations, and assessments.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Unanimous AI and Agora World today announced a partnership to bring the power of the Swarm® software platform into the metaverse. This partnership will enable teams collaborating inside Agora World to quickly amplify their collective intelligence and produce significantly more accurate decisions, forecasts, evaluations, assessments, and prioritizations. From market research and business forecasting, to optimized governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), enabling Swarm AI inside of Agora World will unleash a wide range of powerful applications in virtual spaces.

The Metaverse, NFTs & The Future Of Events | Events Three Dot Oh! with Ethan Berg

Sun, 08 May 2022 03:09:50 GMT

Here’s what you can see inside the Philly Tech Week metaverse kickoff

Sat, 07 May 2022 03:06:52 GMT

Don't ya wanna check out an NFT gallery inside a virtual Philadelphia Art Museum?

Come into the metaverse, friend. Today. At like 4:30 p.m. ET.

Kick off the 12th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast with a weird tour through a virtual world filled with Philadelphia landmarks and digital art. Powered by Philly-founded Agora, #PTW22 will formally start virtually — though events are already underway for this weeklong festival of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.

24th annual Be Your Own Boss Bowl® Live Pitch Event

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 03:04:38 GMT

The Be Your Own Boss Bowl® (BYOBB®) Competition started in 1997 at Temple University as the “Business Plan Competition,” and has since evolved into one of the nation’s most lucrative pitch competitions for aspiring entrepreneurs, with a total prize package including cash prizes and in-kind services awards worth over $125,000. The #beyourownbossbowl is open to all Temple University students, alumni, faculty, and staff from all 17 schools and colleges within the Temple University community. The objective of the BYOBB® competition is to encourage the formation and launch of new small businesses and scalable entrepreneurial ventures by the Temple community.

This year, eight #templemade #owlpreneurs competed in two tracks - Undergraduate and Upper Track (Graduate students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff). You can learn more about the finalists at iei.temple.edu/byobb.

CONGRATS TO THIS YEARS FINALISTS AND WINNERS!

Grand Prize:

Agora World

Ethan Berg, FOX ’20

Sky Nite, UC Berkeley ’14

Upper Track:

1st Place: Agora World

Ethan Berg, FOX ’20

Sky Nite, UC Berkeley ’14

Agora World Grand Prize Winner for Temple University's BYOBB 2022 Competition

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:06:02 GMT

We at Agora World are thrilled to announce that we won both 1st place for the Upper Track and Grand Prize for the entire competition!!!

Watch our Pitch and the announcement of us winning the 24th Annual BYOBB Competition below:

PRESS RELEASE: Agora World to host 2022 Philly Tech Week Kickoff Event

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 03:02:20 GMT

Philadelphia, PA: Social experience platform Agora World announced today that it will be hosting the kickoff event for Philly Tech Week 2022 on May 6th, 2022, in partnership with Technically Media, Love From Philly, Philadelphia Independent Film Festival and lead sponsor Comcast. The event will be hosted in Agora’s computer-based application and will feature exhibits from sponsors and Philadelphia-based innovators, musicians, artists and more.

Philly Tech Week will kick off May 6 in the metaverse

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 02:59:56 GMT

#PTW22 will launch in extended reality with NFTs, gaming and more. Tickets are free, and you can still request a chance to demo your tech.

One of the year’s biggest, immersive celebrations of technology, creativity and innovation is coming. Yes, it’s in the metaverse. Yes, it will be weird.

Startup Showdown Episode 16: Exploring the Metaverse

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 03:58:29 GMT

Season three of Startup Showdown kicks off with this episode exploring the Metaverse. Featuring experts from Tech Council Ventures, Fulcrum Digital, and Superworld & pitching startups Agora World, Simply Flows & Soliddd.

1 Million Cups Philadelphia with Agora World & GuestChat

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:54:18 GMT

A monthly, coffee-fueled event where two founders present their startups to their peers for advice and feedback.

Every third Wednesday morning of the month, two startup companies present their businesses in six minute presentations that are followed by 15-20 minutes of questions, feedback and advice from an audience of their peers. Join to network, learn about two exciting startups, and support new business owners!

This month we're meeting Agora World, a social platform that enables organizations to offer incredible immersive experiences to develop meaningful connections with their community, and GuestChat, a company creating tools for hotel websites to increase bookings.

OctoDesign Group: A Fresh Take on Virtual Gatherings

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 03:50:09 GMT

You’re having trouble getting into a call on Zoom. Your teammate’s microphone is off. No one is using their cameras. We have all been there! Over the past two years, we’ve all experienced the proliferation of virtual meetings first-hand. Many of us are tired of staring at screens all day, but what if there was a different way to gather with folks remotely that was engaging? Enter Agoraworld, a virtual software company that creates environments for you to meet with your team, your clients, or even host a party!

Building for the Metaverse with Ethan Berg

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:47:41 GMT

Mehul and Avirath discuss building for the Metaverse with Ethan Berg - Founder of https://agoravr.world/

Press Release: Agora Experience Builder Tool

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 23:38:47 GMT

Virtual reality creates a dimensional classroom experience

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:55:42 GMT

Imagine taking your organization to a new immersive virtual world, instead of spending an immense amount of time on a one-dimensional platform like Zoom.

For Ethan Berg, BBA ’20, online learning spaces gave him the opportunity to break into the education space with his virtual platform, Agora. He developed Agora during his time at Temple as a Risk Management and Entrepreneurship double major. The online virtual reality (VR) platform provides an interactive human element in online spaces without having to use a VR headset.

“The goal of Agora is to provide companies the opportunity to create their own 3D platform,” says Berg. “This technology will allow these companies to generate social interactions within their teams and implement a physical community through the internet.”

Press Release: Agora Experience Builder Tool

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:01:13 GMT

Agora World Releases Streamlined Tool For Creating Custom Immersive Experiences

Philadelphia, PA: Social experience platform Agora World released today its improved Experience Builder tool, which enables creators to easily customize their own 3D space directly from a template. It is one of the first platforms to take users directly through the steps to create a custom immersive experience with no code required.

Ethan Berg, co-founder and CEO of Agora World, said in a statement “This is the first step in accelerating our mission to empower anyone to build their dream world. Our goal is to lower the barrier of entry to the metaverse so anybody can create their own immersive experience without technical expertise. While we still have more room to grow and more features to develop, this update will immediately help our customers to build memorable immersive experiences such as virtual expo halls, art galleries, and retail stores more quickly than ever before.”

The new update enables users to build their world in only three steps:

Adding a name and description for their world
Choosing a world template from the Agora World template library
Uploading custom images, videos, and links to pre-defined media slots.

A fourth step, which allows creators to grant permission to others to edit and manage their space, is scheduled for release in late Q1.

Agora World currently offers templates for conferences, galleries, booth events such as trade fairs, classrooms, and retail stores. Users also may contact Agora World to upload their own 3D space to the platform.

About Agora World: Agora World is a social platform whose no-code tools empower creators to build their own custom immersive experiences. Agora World’s tools are used by organizations across the world to connect directly with their customers and community through experiences such as immersive art galleries, conferences, retail stores and educational spaces.

Agora World was founded in 2019 by Ethan Berg, then a junior in college, and Sky Nite, an 8-year Unity and VR developer and author of 2 published books on VR.

Virtual reality creates a dimensional classroom experience

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 03:45:43 GMT

Imagine taking your organization to a new immersive virtual world, instead of spending an immense amount of time on a one-dimensional platform like Zoom.

Agora World – Ethos and Community Guidelines

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:28:24 GMT

Agora World Principles

1. Democratization

2. Individual Privacy

3. Organizational Transparency

4. Open Community

5. Enriching Experiences

6. Social Connection

We believe in lowering the barriers to entry into the metaverse. Our tools should be extremely easy and Simple to use. Additionally, metaverse creation and hosting should be as Affordable as possible. Finally, we believe in making creation and participation Accessible to all, no matter the hardware, location, or demographic.

We believe in the human right to personal privacy. We do not believe platforms should harvest personal data and sell it to the highest bidder. The only individual data we collect from you is given voluntarily, and that data is only shared in the context of our platform (for example, showing on your profile page or a location pin on a 3D globe). We vow the only data we will collect ourselves is aggregate or anonymized data for the purpose of improving the technology itself or experiences hosted on our platform. Communities have the ability to choose what data is ultimately collected from their users (ex. A specific conference may require you to verify your name and email for the purpose of attendance records)

We want to communicate clearly with our community (users, creators, partners, etc). This means being open and honest about future plans, updates, things that go wrong, etc.

We believe anyone should be able to create and host anything, freely expressing their ideas and opinions, within legal limits (see our Community Guidelines below for more details). We are anti-gatekeeping. Every individual and community has their own creative uses for our technology, and it’s not up to us to tell people what they can and can’t use it for.

We also believe in working with our communities to improve our technology. This means open sourcing where possible and sharing knowledge.

We believe the digital world should bring immersive vitality to peoples’ lives. We want to foster physical and mental immersive presence, creating long lasting memories and deep character-defining experiences. The goal of the metaverse is to exist as an extension of our lives, no more or less valuable than that of an in-person experience or interaction.

We are passionate about improving the social connectivity of people’s lives, and of society as a whole. This means building ways for people to form new bonds online, and ways to deepen existing relationships.

A core tenet of this is creating shared immediacy in online social interactions. Shared immediacy is real-time social presence: the feeling of being present in the moment with others. We seek to use spatial and fluid interactions to improve online socializing, to the point that the difference between online and offline interaction blurs.

We also want to make it as easy as possible to share online experiences and form memories with one another. Creating and joining others in these rich social experiences should be easy!

Finally, we believe that humanity is a global community. Anyone from anywhere should be able to connect and build communities and personal bonds. Distance (at least on this planet) should be no obstacle to building communities. With increased cultural intermingling and compassion we hope to build a better world.

Agora World Community Guidelines

No illegal content. Adhere to local, state, and federal laws
No calls to violence or threats
Must be over 13 years of age
No technologically harmful content or technical attacks
No intellectual property infringement
No impersonation – parody / satire is acceptable
I agree to conduct myself in a respectful manner. We are all human beings deserving of love and compassion. This is a public space.
Communities can decide whether they allow or disallow individuals from recording in their spaces

If you believe an Agora World experience/user/world has violated our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service, please report the experience/user/world . We aim to promptly review and investigate all complaints that we receive, but if and how we respond will depend on a variety of factors, such as the information available to us and the type of violation. We may also contact the experience/world owner to inform them of the complaint. If we’re not in a position to make a determination (for example, whether something is defamatory or not), we defer to the judgment of a court.

We are Agora World: Democratizing the Metaverse (TLDR Version)

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:13:50 GMT

"Agora World’s mission is to democratize metaverse creation. Buzzwords aside, we aim to make online social experiences more immersive and easier to create"

If you have 10 minutes, we recommend reading the full version of this article ; otherwise check out the summary below:

Our Progress So Far

In our first year, we’ve built a self-updating and self-distributed application for Windows and Mac. Users can host their own events by selecting a 3D world template. From there, users can customize the world with images and videos via a no code slot system, making custom metaverse event hosting as easy as making a Facebook profile. Others can then join the event using a custom event code (similar to a URL), navigating the world with customizable avatars and 3D voice chat. We support up to 50 people socializing like this in a single event instance, and if more people join we automatically generate additional instances (up to 20,000 simultaneous attendees). Our internal World SDK enables quick upload of any Unity-compatible scene as a world template.

For a more detailed overview of what we have accomplished in our first year, please take a look at this link .

What We Are Building

We act as an extremely agile company with 1-week modified-scrum sprints, so although we’re constantly adjusting our plans for greatest efficiency, these are the major areas we’re pursuing:

World SDK

Metaverse Interoperability

Browser Access

3D Interactable Objects

Plugins

Creator Economy

XR and Improved Social Immersion and Tools

Education

Open source format for metaverse worlds, allowing anyone to upload Unity scenes as world templates

Allow groups of people to reliably move together from a location in our app to a location in another metaverse app, and the inverse (social metaverse hyperlinks)

Ability to access Agora World app in-browser, downloadable app still accessible for higher end experience (model proven by Slack, Discord, & Zoom)

No code system for 3D interactable objects in worlds, deeper library of interactable components for World SDK (such as portals and “grabbable” objects)

System to support any code written by any developer, making the metaverse infinitely moddable with professional programming tools and languages

Avenue for world and plugin creators to distribute and monetize their creations, and for event hosts to easily build the metaverse they need

VR and AR support (when the time is right), higher quality and more expressive avatars, and other social immersion improvements

Share our knowledge as we are building, clear documentation and resources for creators, self-hosted education events on the platform, partner with education orgs to improve metaverse learning, possibly run our own courses

We’re investigating areas such as decentralized social networking (ex. Mastodon) and blockchain (DAOs, NFTs, decentralized governance), but we want to make sure our involvement in these areas is based on user benefit, not hype.

Why We’re Building It: Our Ethos

Democratization : creating and experiencing the metaverse should be easy and accessible to all
Individual Privacy : data tied to individuals is their right, not a fruit to sell for corporate profit
Organizational Transparency : our org should communicate clearly and openly to ensure alignment with users and humanity
Open Community : creators should be able to make what they think is right without gatekeeping
Enriching Experiences : we want to bring excitement and vitality to our online experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime
Social Connection : we want to improve online social bond forming and deepening, and improve the connectedness of the global community

If you’d like a detailed breakdown of our Ethos and Community guidelines, please read at this link .

Help Needed

Fullstack/Backend Developer
Unity Developer
Community Manager
Investors
Anyone passionate about our mission

In addition to these internal positions we are seeking to fill, we are always looking to collaborate with external creators and visionaries that are just as passionate about our mission as we are.

Contact info [at] agoravr.world to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

We are Agora World: Democratizing the Metaverse

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:04:23 GMT

"Agora World’s mission is to democratize metaverse creation. Buzzwords aside, we aim to make online social experiences more immersive and easier to create"

Agora World’s mission is to democratize metaverse creation. Buzzwords aside, we aim to make online social experiences more immersive and easier to create, while empowering creators to forge their own path. To that end, we’ve been working since Oct 2020 to build a platform and tools capable of achieving those goals. Just a year in with bootstrapped funding, we’ve created an app for Windows and Mac capable of allowing anyone to create their own customized 3D social event with no code or technical expertise needed. Looking towards the future we have much more we want to accomplish, so the purpose of this article is to let anyone interested know what we are working on, why we are working on it, and how they can help.

Our Progress So Far

For a detailed overview of what we built in our first year, please take a look at this link .

To summarize, we’ve built a self-updating downloadable app for Mac and Windows computers using the Unity engine, and a standard cloud hosted backend. With this app “event hosts” can customize their own 3D event based on a “world” template, placing images or videos with descriptions and hyperlinks into slots in the world (no coding required, as easy as setting up a Facebook profile). “Attendees” can join events via an “event code”, loading the customized 3D world and allowing you to easily move around the world via a customizable avatar. Spatial voice chat ensures that you can fluidly move between conversations just like you would at an in-person gathering, while profiles allow you to share info about yourself such as interests and social media links. Currently we support up to 50 people socializing like this in a single event instance, and if more people join we automatically generate additional instances (up to 20,000 simultaneous attendees). Our World SDK allows us to upload any Unity scene as a world template in minutes, and we’ve already created several high quality worlds.

During our private beta, we’ve run over 40 events, from a career fair of 200+ people to art galleries, conferences, meetups, and more. Every month we’re adding more subscribers.

What We Are Building

World SDK

Metaverse Interoperability

Browser Access

3D Interactable Objects

Plugins

Creator Economy

XR and Improved Social Immersion and Tools

Education

We want to empower creators to build the metaverse they envision, not only our vision of the metaverse. For that reason, a public open source release of our World SDK (Software Development Kit) is one of our highest priorities. With it, anyone will be able to upload a Unity scene as a world template. This means uploading not only 3D environment art, but also all of the built-in Unity engine features such as physics, custom shaders, lighting, and more. Additionally, we’ll be able to add unique code components for more complex creation, such as portals and “grabbable” objects. The SDK also integrates with our event layer, allowing event hosts to further customize a world without code.

The open sourcing of the World SDK code is important and not one we’re taking lightly. With it, we’re essentially creating a metaverse world format that anyone can use for free, even to speed up creation of their own metaverse browser, or provide their own metaverse world hosting. We’re willing to do this because we believe the metaverse should be open (more on that later), and think the World SDK will ultimately benefit from it. Initially the World SDK will be the only part of our code that is fully open source, but we’re interested in the future possibility of open sourcing our API and app code. We can’t commit to this though for reasons such as security and 3rd party plugins that we don’t have the right to distribute. Currently, we’re thinking about our app as a metaverse browser, and the World SDK as an open source standard format for metaverse creation.

As a last note, we’ve chosen Unity as our engine of creation for a number of reasons. Unity’s mission is to democratize 3D development, and as the world’s most popular 3D engine they offer a feature-rich editing experience and ecosystem that we want to build upon. That’s not to say we won’t support other engines in the future (for example, one of the areas we are exploring is creation of a light web browser client through something like Babylon.js), but as a small team Unity has allowed us to build at a velocity impossible 20 years ago. Additionally, we think that with the right tooling and educational material, people can go from 0 code experience to building metaverse worlds in very little time (a matter of hours to days, not months). They can do so while building experience with a professional 3D engine, and existing professionals can use the SDK to go that much further. We believe that the metaverse should be built with professional best-in-class tools, and building on top of Unity adds the work of thousands of employees to our small team.

We’re very interested in helping solve the problem of metaverse interoperability. People in one social application should be able to move as a group to another application reliably. We’ve written a couple articles about it. We’re also aware of the Open Metaverse Interoperability (OMI) working group, and looking to become more involved.

That said, we worry standards like OMI will move very slowly, so will be on the lookout for ways to expedite the process. If we end up moving ahead with our own solution, we’ll always be able to build a bridge between that and the eventual standard. Regardless of how we get there, we want to enable people to jump into and out of our application and arrive at a pre-programmed destination based on the link.

The single most common piece of feedback we’ve heard from our sales pipeline and customers is that they’d like the option to access our app via web browser. Although we believe it will be years before content authoring and application quality in-browser will be able to match native compilation, the ease and safety of accessing our application in a browser is an understandable desire (indeed, it’s necessary for certain use cases). So, we are researching the best path to take to enable this.

Unity does offer WebGL export, and Babylon.js (a 3d web engine) offers export of Unity projects. It may make sense for us to create a light client for the browser through one of these (or another) methods. Another method would be through what is sometimes known as “pixel streaming”, where browser users connect to a cloud-hosted virtual computer instance running our app. Although it’s too early to say what we’ll end up doing here, we see multiple paths forward and will be bringing Agora World to the web browser. Our native app for Windows and Mac will continue to be available for people who want the highest quality experience (a strategy that has been proven by Slack, Discord, and Zoom).

Currently, we have a no code slot system for placing custom images, videos, and booths with descriptions and hyperlinks. In 2022, we want to add the ability for further no code customization in the form of 3D interactable objects. Easy upload of 3D models is part of that, but it goes further. We want people to be able to place other interactable 3D objects like portals, grabbable objects, and more all without needing technical knowledge.

On the app side, this probably means a slot system similar to our 2d and booth slots, but we also may implement something more free-form (like an in-world spawn and save mechanism, or a floating miniature of the 3D world). On the World SDK side, this means a library of custom code components that will allow world builders to create richer, more interactive experiences. For example, last year we did a two day hackathon building an obstacle course in our app, and with just a few code components were able to put together fun unique races.

We want to allow any developer with the skills and vision to be able to build on top of what we’re building. We’re putting a lot of effort into developing a social metaverse engine so that others don’t have to. However, there’s no way for us to think of every use case and provide the code functionality needed for each case.

For this reason, we want to develop a plugin architecture to allow any world to run any code, even code not written by us. One approach other platforms have taken is to develop their own special coding systems. As of right now, we don’t want to take this approach, because we want developers to be able to write the native code they’re already familiar with, which comes not only with a much richer library, but also a larger community and existing codebases. We want any code written in C# to be potential functionality in Agora Worlds.

Ensuring security with this path will be more difficult than non-native methods, but we believe the problem is solvable. There are also serious concerns with mobile support. We have much work to do to make sure we can deliver plugins in a safe manner and on every platform. However, we believe that getting this working will be AWESOME, as it will essentially make “modding” the metaverse shareable and 1st party supported via the largest 3D engine in the world.

Creators who make worlds and plugins should have an avenue to share and sell their creations, so that others can use them for their own metaverse experiences. We often contextualize Agora World as “WordPress for the metaverse”, and an easy to use marketplace fits well with that vision. Additionally, event hosts should have more ways to monetize and earn via their events.

We believe Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) support are an inevitable part of our roadmap. The only question is timing. Current VR still has a high friction of use, the dominant Facebook platform is very closed, headsets cannot be comfortably used for long periods of time, and the userbase is still small. AR is not yet compelling for consumers, but great progress is being made. Time will see a lessening of these issues, and we’re building with the knowledge that in the long run XR will be a core component of our platform.

In addition to XR, we plan to add other social immersion improvements, from more expressive avatars to better moderation tools. The desired end result is to make group digital communication richer than in-person communication in many ways.

We are passionate about education and see it as an important part of what we aim to create. One of the initiatives we are planning is Agora World hosted education events, bringing in experts in metaverse-related industry to share knowledge with the community. We’re also looking to partner with existing education programs to incorporate metaverse-creation learning. We’re even kicking around the idea of running some of our own courses. In addition to these initiatives, we plan to create educational and clear documentation for our World SDK, and to continue to share our knowledge with blog posts and other formats.

While the above are our main focuses, we’re constantly researching potential improvements and pivoting based on feedback. Some of the other areas we are interested in are decentralized social networking (such as technologies like Mastodon) and crypto (such as DAOs, NFTs, and decentralized community governance). It’s very important that anything we develop adds value to the platform’s users, rather than just for the sake of boarding a hype train. So, we’re keeping our eye on decentralized tech developments but will only implement them if they can help build an open, easy to use metaverse.

Why We’re Building It

We’re building Agora World because we believe anyone anywhere should be able to build anything and socialize with anyone in a highly immersive, meaningful way. Our ethos of 6 core principles drives the decisions we make in pursuit of that goal.

We believe in Democratization, lowering the barriers to creation and putting the power and rewards of creation into the hands of the creators. We believe in Individual Privacy, keeping data tied to individuals as their right, not a fruit to sell for corporate profit. We believe Organizational Transparency is the best way to ensure that organizations stay honest and in alignment with the good of humanity over the good of the 1%. We believe in an Open Community, where creators can make what they think is right without gatekeeping. We believe in helping create Enriching Experiences that make life worth living and leave lasting memories. And finally we believe in Social Connection, improving technology to allow people to form more and deeper bonds online and increasing the connectedness of the global community.

If you’d like a detailed breakdown of our Ethos and Community guidelines, please read at this link .

Help Needed

If what we’re working on gets you excited, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out at: info [at] agoravr.world

Creating an open, democratized metaverse will not be easy, so we’re actively looking for people who share our values and vision. Our core founding team is Sky Nite as CTO and Ethan Berg as CEO. Each of us is a full-stack in our given domains, so we’re looking to expand our team via force-multipliers.

The first force multiplier needed is dedicated Unity Developers. Experience with other tech like backend is a plus, but the core need is someone who can quickly iterate on Unity side features. For example, we’d love to add more sandbox components to our World SDK, but Sky has needed to prioritize getting the SDK into people’s hands over adding new features.

Another force multiplier is a dedicated Full-Stack/Backend Developer. The ideal person would also have comfort and experience with devops. Our current backend is PHP + MySql (LAMP) so experience with that is preferred, but if the developer is experienced in other stacks and passionate about our mission, it’s not a dealbreaker. The website frontend is mostly WordPress. A dedicated fullstack developer will allow us to more quickly develop API features and scale our product.

The final of our force multiplier roles is a Community Manager. We want to start creating and running our own events regularly on the platform, and want someone who can help onboard new customers and community members. Our community manager will also help keep us tapped in to what people need. Communities are an incredibly important part of what we are building. We think a person fully focused on this will greatly augment what we can accomplish in the next year and improve the experience for all who use the platform.

In addition to these three specific roles, we are open to bright, passionate people who believe they can help us achieve the Agora World mission. We act as an extremely agile company with 1-week modified-scrum sprints, so acknowledge that what we think is the best path today will not be the same as the best path next week. If you think you’d be a valuable teammate, partner, or ally please reach out!

Finally, we are in need of further investors who believe in our vision and want to use their capital to help us achieve it. We’re far from desperate on that end having bootstrapped on angels+friends+family the last year and knowing how to run lean, but more resources will allow us to build faster and reliably secure a growing team.

Conclusion

So, that’s Agora World today, what we’re building, why, and who we need to make it happen. If you support our goals, please reach out to

(info -at- agoravr.world) , promote+share this post, and do what you can to ensure an open, democratized metaverse.

Agora World: Ethos & Community Guidelines

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:01:12 GMT

Agora World Principles

Democratization
We believe in lowering the barriers to entry into the metaverse. Our tools should be extremely easy and Simple to use. Additionally, metaverse creation and hosting should be as Affordable as possible. Finally, we believe in making creation and participation Accessible to all, no matter the hardware, location, or demographic.
Individual Privacy
We believe in the human right to personal privacy. We do not believe platforms should harvest personal data and sell it to the highest bidder. The only individual data we collect from you is given voluntarily, and that data is only shared in the context of our platform (for example, showing on your profile page or a location pin on a 3D globe). We vow the only data we will collect ourselves is aggregate or anonymized data for the purpose of improving the technology itself or experiences hosted on our platform. Communities have the ability to choose what data is ultimately collected from their users (ex. A specific conference may require you to verify your name and email for the purpose of attendance records)
Organizational Transparency
We want to communicate clearly with our community (users, creators, partners, etc). This means being open and honest about future plans, updates, things that go wrong, etc.
Open Community
We believe anyone should be able to create and host anything, freely expressing their ideas and opinions, within legal limits (see our Community Guidelines below for more details). We are anti-gatekeeping. Every individual and community has their own creative uses for our technology, and it’s not up to us to tell people what they can and can’t use it for.

We also believe in working with our communities to improve our technology. This means open sourcing where possible and sharing knowledge.
Enriching Experiences
We believe the digital world should bring immersive vitality to peoples’ lives. We want to foster physical and mental immersive presence, creating long lasting memories and deep character-defining experiences. The goal of the metaverse is to exist as an extension of our lives, no more or less valuable than that of an in-person experience or interaction.
Social Connection
We are passionate about improving the social connectivity of people’s lives, and of society as a whole. This means building ways for people to form new bonds online, and ways to deepen existing relationships.

A core tenet of this is creating shared immediacy in online social interactions. Shared immediacy is real-time social presence: the feeling of being present in the moment with others. We seek to use spatial and fluid interactions to improve online socializing, to the point that the difference between online and offline interaction blurs.

We also want to make it as easy as possible to share online experiences and form memories with one another. Creating and joining others in these rich social experiences should be easy!

Finally, we believe that humanity is a global community. Anyone from anywhere should be able to connect and build communities and personal bonds. Distance (at least on this planet) should be no obstacle to building communities. With increased cultural intermingling and compassion we hope to build a better world.

Agora World Community Guidelines

No illegal content. Adhere to local, state, and federal laws
No calls to violence or threats
Must be over 13 years of age
No technologically harmful content or technical attacks
No intellectual property infringement
No impersonation – parody / satire is acceptable
I agree to conduct myself in a respectful manner. We are all human beings deserving of love and compassion. This is a public space.
Communities can decide whether they allow or disallow individuals from recording in their spaces

If you believe an Agora World experience/user/world has violated our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service, please report the experience/user/world

. We aim to promptly review and investigate all complaints that we receive, but if and how we respond will depend on a variety of factors, such as the information available to us and the type of violation. We may also contact the experience/world owner to inform them of the complaint. If we’re not in a position to make a determination (for example, whether something is defamatory or not), we defer to the judgment of a court.

THE LEDGER ACADEMY’S BOBBI MUSCARA IS ALL ABOUT THE BLOCKCHAIN

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 03:42:25 GMT

If you want to know about Hyperledger, the metaverse, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), cryptocurrencies, blockchain for business and the many career opportunities available for people to work in the new industries that surround all of this, Barbara (Bobbi) Muscara is a good person to know.

Muscara is chairperson of the Learning Materials and Documentation Working Group and a Technical Steering Committee member at the Hyperledger Foundation (San Francisco), an industry-wide open-source initiative to advance blockchain technology, governed by the Linux Foundation (San Francisco). She is also a co-organizer of several New Jersey meetup groups on these topics, and is director of education at Princeton-based Ledger Academy.

Warp Parties: Hyperlink Method of the Metaverse

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:39:12 GMT

"We meet up with or get introduced to people in one location, then travel with them to different locations. You’d think this was easy to do in an online format. After all, the destination is just a digital address and some transferred bits coming to your computer."

Have you ever been somewhere talking with someone, then wanted to go somewhere else with them? Maybe you’re at a bar and want to hop to a new bar. Perhaps you’re with some friends in a park and have decided to all go swimming.

Unsurprisingly, this is a normal part of life. We meet up with or get introduced to people in one location, then travel with them to different locations.

You’d think this was easy to do in an online format. After all, the destination is just a digital address and some transferred bits coming to your computer.

Unfortunately, the digital real-time context for accomplishing this universally is an unsolved problem. However, with a number of metaverse applications coming online, it’s time to change that.

Look Mom I’m a Warp Wizard

The concept for implementing Warp Parties is simple. Getting widespread adoption is a different beast entirely, but we’ll cover that at the end of this article.

Your journey into become a warp wizard starts with WARP PARTY CREATION. Both humorous and a helpful metaphor, warp parties can be thought if in the context of casting a magic spell.

With WARP PARTY CREATION a user creates a WARP PARTY METADATA object and is visually able to see who is part of the warp party. They’re casting the first part of the spell, akin to opening a singularity to another destination without actually opening the warp portal.

Ideally at WARP PARTY CREATION time is when the wizard would select the destination, simply a deep link to another location in the metaverse. However, some apps may choose to implement it such that once a warp party is created, the destination link can be changed.

With the warp party created, the next step is to ADD PARTY MEMBERS. Generally I think it would make sense to default to an invite system; the warp wizard sends invites to anyone he wants to come along, and they confirm the invite to join. Alternatively (maybe as a setting), the warp party could be open to anyone nearby to join, through any number of interfaces. For example, when a warp party is created, a warp portal appears that other users can click on and confirm to join the warp party.

As users are added to the warp party, their USER DATA shows up in a UI for the warp wizard to see. When the warp wizard is satisfied that the appropriate users are in the warp party, they can click WARP or CANCEL. Cancel ends the warp party, as if it never existed, just like a wizard stopping a spell before the final incantation.

If WARP is selected, a WARP occurs, packaging the data of the WARP PARTY into a WARP PARTY METADATA object and opening the link with the WARP PARTY METADATA attached. If the destination is another app, the current app should probably close.

This is where things get spicy.

Whatever application you are warping to essentially needs to have a deep-linking schema or API endpoint that will handle launching the new application, reading the WARP PARTY METADATA, and re-hooking-up the WARP PARTY MEMBERS into the same real-time instance and location in-app.

So, if everything worked correctly, you could travel as a group from a world in VRchat exploring a jungle to a world in Rec Room playing paintball. Some of the concrete implementation of Warp Parties can vary by application, what’s important is the general concept and a universal metadata linking format.

Magic Isn’t Real (But Any Sufficiently Advanced Technology is Indistinguishable)

Call of the Warp Council

There are a number of obstacles that need to be addressed, and I’ll do my best to lay them out.

First, every application has its own user accounts. How does an app with metadata about one collection of users translate to a brand new application?

There are a number of potential solutions, but here’s the best one I could think of at this moment:

When a user WARPS to a new app, they must choose which account to sign in with to proceed. If they regularly use the app they might already be signed in so can use their existing session token, or just need to re-authenticate. If they don’t have any account they sign up, then skip past the typical first-time-user flow into the warp destination. The application knows the user launched in WARP MODE so will prioritize putting them into the warp destination with their WARP PARTY MEMBERS.

Second, every app supporting cross-app warp needs to implement the WARP deep linking launch schema. This means the app has to support deep linking in the first place (non-trivial at the moment, but in my opinion a must-have for metaverse apps), and the app has to recognize the WARP PARTY METADATA and know what to do with it to successfully link everyone into the same destination (a unique implementation per-app since everyone’s networking stack is fairly bespoke).

However, assuming a council of metaverse creators can agree on a metadata standard, or someone writes software that can quickly adjust inconsistencies from slightly different implementations, accomplishing inter-app warping seems very accomplishable.

The time is ripe to start a practical conversation on universal inter-app warping. Even though such a feature seems to be inherently opt-in for metaverse developers, if we can establish a standard and build open-source tools around it, the metaverse will have more open flow rather than being a collection of walled gardens.

If this is something you’re interested in helping bring about, please contact me at vrinsider[*]gmail.com

Note: Handling what to do if a warping user doesn’t have the needed app downloaded (in the case where it’s not a browser app) is another tricky problem that I didn’t have time to cover in an already long-than-intended article. That implementation detail is certainly solvable though.

Agora World and LogixCxt win Digital Innovation Awards

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 03:44:09 GMT

The Digital Innovation Foundry is pleased to announce that Agora World and LogixCxt are recipients of the inaugural 2021 Digital Innovation Award in partnership with Temple University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (IEI) Innovative Idea Competition .

2021 DATA Forum

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 03:40:28 GMT

Join thought leaders to explore how data and people can be effectively combined to enhance organizational change.

#TimTalk: The Future of Online Social Experiences

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 03:32:31 GMT

Ethan had a friend that moved away and they both realised that they are two things, memories and online shared experiences.

While at university, Ethan came up with the idea of creating an environment where we can share social experiences online.Often #gaming and #gamers make friends in an online world. With the introduction of the #Metaverse we are seeing more online world development.

Agora world have created an environment that allows you to interact online. Just like you would in real life. From a commercial perspective, Agora World is creating online conferences and exhibitions.

Which is just like a conference and exhibition is in real life, but it’s online. Ethan sees Agora World has humanity coming together online.

Temple University Innovative Idea Competition – Grand Prize Winner

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 03:38:39 GMT

The Innovative Idea Competition encourages the generation of innovative new products, services and technologies from all 17 schools and colleges within Temple University which can become the foundation for new businesses. The competition is open to all Temple University students, alumni, faculty and staff + offers a $5000+ cash prize package!

Thursday Thoughts The Metaverse, Virtual Reality and You!

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 03:28:19 GMT

Tap in for a LIVE chat at NOON about the future of work, the internet, social interaction and more with Ethan Berg from Agora World on the last 2021 episode of #ThurdsayThoughts! Navitas Marketing Kevin Homer

Swim with the Sharks Finalist: Agora World

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:48:48 GMT

Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:25:32 GMT

Welcome to the 9th Annual Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition hosted by the Emerging Enterprise Center!

Congratulations to tonight's finalists:

1.) Zach DeLong & Leigh Ann Tona, Co-Founders of Sleeping Bird Coffee

2.) Jayvon Fairman-Davis, Founder of Chess Express Kids

3.) Ethan Berg, Co-Founder of Agora World

4.) Amanda Wiles, OTD, OTR/L, Owner & Doctor of Occupational Therapy of Pediatric Therapy Partners, LLC

These are your 2021 Swim with the Sharks finalists

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 02:21:55 GMT

Startups offering VR events, pediatric therapy, a chess community and a coffee truck will compete for $10,000 on Nov. 3.

The finalists for the 2021 Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition have been announced, and starting today you can watch the preliminary round pitches and cast your vote for the $1,500 SWS People’s Choice Award. The grand prize, which includes $10,000 in cash from the NCC Innovates initiative of the New Castle County Office of Economic Development, will be awarded to the winner of the final pitch competition on Nov. 3.

The DATA Podcast: Fully Immersive Environments in a Digital World (northeastern)

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 02:13:38 GMT

Listen to the founder and CEO of Agora World, Ethan Berg, talk about about the future of online events in this episode of The DATA Podcast.

Lowkey Giant’s ‘Rock the Block’ with Ethan Berg

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 02:20:16 GMT

Ethan Berg, CEO of Agora World shares the vision and details of his immersive virtual reality platform with Jon Blok.

Eventcombo: Eventicon 2021 (Web 3.0 The Future of the Spatial Web)

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 02:15:58 GMT

In this session Ethan Berg, Founder & CEO, Agora World Inc., spoke about Web 3.0 The Future of the Spatial Web. The key takeaways from the session were:

Immersive VR experiences for audiences

Improving social interaction in an intuitive and engaging way

Live virtual events for museums, historical tours, workshops, online shopping and more.

In this talk, you will see how immersive experiences and virtual reality can be utilized to enhance a user and consumer's online social interaction with each other and brands in a more intuitive and engaging way.

You will witness the future of the internet from how we experience live virtual events, museum and historical tours, classes

and workshops, online shopping, customer service, and more!

Untapped Accelerator Showcase

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 02:18:40 GMT

Meet the 2021 Future of Work Cohort

Untapped Ventures focuses on innovations that make the world of work better for all humans. We firmly believe the New Future of Work is in redefining what, where, and how we get work done, and why we do it in the first place. This year, we launched the Untapped Future of Work Studio-Accelerator in partnership with the City of Burbank to help 12 early-stage teams build Future of Work ventures in just 4 months. This amazing cohort of passionate brilliant founders is a defining example of the Untapped vision for self-actualization at work.

We are excited to introduce you to the 2021 founders changing the way the world works.

What Will it Take to Make Standardized Metalinking?

Thu, 20 May 2021 14:17:43 GMT

"In an ideal system you would be in one social app, say VRChat, and drop a “portal” (i.e. metalink) to an entirely different app, such as Chemistry VR."

Metaverse Dream or Possible Technology?

For as long as I’ve been working in VR and the surrounding space (7 years) there has existed this ideal of an interconnected metaverse. People will share and browse spatial experiences, moving from one application to another in a shared, interconnected virtual world (or so the conversation goes).

But, beyond idealizing, how can we make such a future possible? What are the technical challenges, what are the social challenges, and what are the economic challenges? This article will drill into these barriers and explore

The Golden Goal:

Before diving too deep into the challenges, it will be good to clarify exactly what I mean by “standardized metalinking”. In an ideal system you would be in one social app, say VRChat, and drop a “portal” (i.e. metalink) to an entirely different app, such as Chemistry VR.

The group of people you were with in VRchat would all be able to move through the portal to the exact same location in Chemistry VR. All this really requires is deep linking, an already maturing concept, with the addition of standardized user data for connecting people back up in the new app. In a perfect world there would be some sort of interim voice-chat app so that you never lose connectivity, but that’s not necessary to keep things connected.

Of course, if the user doesn’t have the app that is needed downloaded, there would be standardized handling for downloading the needed app, installing it, and finally launching the user into the desired experience at the correct location in the app (i.e. wherever the other people who joined through the metalink are).

The end result is that you can dynamically navigate with groups of people between apps, creating a truly open metaverse. There are plenty of edge cases I am passing over (such as how for-purchase apps would be handled), but hopefully you get the general idea.

Problem 1: Platform Disincentive

Problem 2: Security Vulnerability

Problem 3: Standardization

The idea of seamlessly interconnected apps sounds good, but then you hit the business reality that allowing seamless metaverse interlinking in your app means you’re giving people on your platform a direct way to leave the platform.

For example, if you’re in Altspace (a metaverse app owned by Microsoft), and they have seamless metalinking, you can meet a group of people in Altspace, then drop a portal to a world you found in VRchat, leaving Microsoft’s platform. Why would Microsoft directly support a feature that encourages people to leave their platform? In an economy of attention, this seems counter to self-interest.

I think the web-browser internet offers an interesting lens into how this disincentive may be flipped. When you are on Facebook, or pretty much any social platform, you can post hyperlinks to off-platform content. Why do Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin allow this? Well, hyperlinks are a fundamental part of the internet, around since its origination, and preventing their use would drive users off these platforms. Additionally, hyperlinks actually add to the value of these platforms, allowing users to share content with their social networks, and giving users a reason to use these platforms in the first place.

Why aren’t metalinks viewed in the same lens? Perhaps it is a problem of critical mass. When all metaverse apps are using metalinks, then there is a lot of potential value that can be linked to. However, when there are only a few apps to link to, the tradeoff isn’t seen as worth it.

Just like with web links, whenever a user goes somewhere you don’t control, there is the possibility for bad things to happen to them. This could be data fishing, seizure inducing visuals, or virus-laden downloads, to name a few concerns.

Web browsers have been designed to minimize the potential harm to your computer, running all web applications in a sandbox. However, many metaverse apps require (at least for now) an app installed directly on your system.

Perhaps web-based applications will one day possess full performance and feature parity with downloaded apps. I’m keeping an eye on WebAssembly, and hope that such a future is possible, but it seems like early days. However, even WebAssembly doesn’t completely remove the concern of malicious links, just like how hyperlinks are still a security concern.

So, how do we secure metalinking when users could be pointed to any arbitrary code? I don’t have a good answer on a technical level (at least not at this time). Maybe there is some sort of whitelist of trusted apps that is approved by a third party, or some sort of required sandboxing as part of the metalinking standard.

It’s also worth considering what a user-trust based system would look like. For example, perhaps metalinks are only something you accept from trusted sources (such as trusted organizations or friends). This is tricky though, as when the user is responsible for their own security, there are plenty of users who haven’t been adequately educated, and impromptu mistakes happen even for those who are. To be truly secure, the solution will need to be automated.

Everyone has their own real time networking stack. Asynchronous code has had much better standardization efforts with structures like REST and JSON, but even those are evolving and changing and not used universally. I think part of the reason real time networking has stayed a dark art is the varied needs of different real time apps. What you need for a 100-person battle royal shooter is very different from what you need for 4 people playing a tabletop boardgame online. However, there are distinct concepts that generally exist across all apps, and we can certainly identify which of these need to be supported for metalinking to work.

For example, “parties” are groups of people who are connected together through voice chat or text chat, often spatially nearby and existing in the same world instance. User accounts are also pretty universal, containing some sort of display name. In the context of metaverse apps, avatar appearance is another widespread idea, however this one is usually custom across each app.

The idea of an inter-app avatar system is interesting, but outside the scope of this article, and also unlikely to become widespread in my opinion. Oculus has implemented perhaps the most widely used example of such a system, but it highlights the difficulties and dangers of relying on a third party for user-based appearance (such as platform lock, sudden design changes, and being at mercy of the design whims of an external team). Apps have their own design aesthetics, and the majority will choose to keep it that way, for good reason.

So, what would it actually take to create a standardized metalinking layer? Someone, or more likely a group of people, would need to build the linking layer, a software library with all the features needed to seamlessly link apps together, and it would have to work across platforms. The linking layer would almost certainly have to be completely open source, and may or may not involve a standards body. The software library would have to be easy to integrate.

Then developers (and non-technical stakeholders) would have to be convinced to actually add support for metalinking.

Conclusion

Creating a metalinking standard for groups of people to seamlessly move between apps is a core dream of many in the metaverse industry. There are a number of challenges to overcome to make such a vision a reality, but I believe it is an achievable goal. We are in the early stages of creating an immersive internet, socializing across distance in ways that were previously impossible. Metalinking is an important technological pillar for enabling the next phase of our evolution.

Are you interested in metalinking and creating a standard for interconnected metaverse apps? Please reach out to me on Twitter: @VRInsider

How software company Agora uses VR to bridge the gap between real-world and virtual socializing

Wed, 05 May 2021 02:08:17 GMT

This software company wants to change the way we interact at virtual events. Check out the digital space it created for the PTW21 kickoff event.

When Ethan Berg graduated from Temple University in May 2020, he ran into an issue that many new college graduates have. Staying in touch with friends and classmates can prove difficult as people head their separate ways.

The pandemic only made that more difficult.

“There’s not a lot you can do outside of playing video games or responding to people’s social media posts,” Berg told Technical.ly .

Tech Talk: Unleashing the Internet's Full Potential

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 03:05:48 GMT

In this tech talk, Ethan Berg of Agora VR will discuss and demonstrate ways that virtual reality can be used online to enhance social interaction between users and brands in a more intuitive and immersive way.

High Flying Owls

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 03:02:39 GMT

Host Dwight Carey interviews recent Temple grad and Founder and CEO at Agora World Inc., Ethan Berg, whose company creates creates 3D, virtual reality (VR) environments that replicate the physical spaces we’ve had to avoid during lockdown. Ethan describes how Agora World facilitates an improved online shopping experience with innovative new features that allow virtual spaces to compete with their physical equivalents.

Ethan also talks about how his Temple experience shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, particularly his involvement with the robotics and prosthetics clubs, and highlights the Fox entrepreneurship degree as starting him down the path to Agora World.

Startup Pill: Agora World Ranked the No. 61 Augmented Reality Startup of 2020

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 22:52:08 GMT

This article showcases Startup Pill’s top picks for the best Augmented Realitystartups. These startups are taking a variety of approaches to innovating inside of the Augmented Reality industry and around the world. They are all exceptional startups well worth a follow.

We selected these startups and companies for exceptional performance in one of these categories:

Innovation
Innovative ideas
Innovative route to market
Innovative product
Growth
Exceptional growth
Exceptional growth strategy
Management
Societal impact

Ecommerce in the COVID World – Revolutionizing the way people interact with brands through an immersive retail experience

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 01:59:42 GMT

Ecommerce in the COVID World. Converting from Brick and Mortar to Ecommerce.

WordPress Plugins, Payment Relationships, Small Parcel Program, Virtual Interaction with Brands

Presenters:

Steve McKeon, MacGuyver Media, LLC

Jeff Harris, Create Group Capital

Phil Kramer, Victory Supply Chain Services

Ethan Berg, Agora Experience, LLC

Temple celebrates annual Be Your Own Boss Bowl in virtual competition

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 01:51:23 GMT

This year Temple’s annual Be Your Own Boss Bowl (BYOBB) competition will be streamed live online on Thursday, April 23. The BYOBB is one of the nation’s most lucrative pitch competitions for aspiring entrepreneurs and is open to all Temple students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Some participants choose to be paired with a mentor, with whom they work over the course of several months in developing their own product, while others opt to work individually. The competition offers three tracks and received 73 submissions this year.

agora-world

Most Innovative Immersive Experience Platform 2024 (Acquisition International)

PRESS RELEASE: Agora World Named Top 10 Finalist in QBE Insurance AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Agora World Named Top 10 Finalist at Startup World Cup Orlando!

Representing Central Florida on a Global Stage

Stay Tuned—Exciting Things Are on the Horizon

Agora World Named Top 7 PropTech Company Globally by QBE

A Vision for the Future: Resiliency, Equity, and Sustainability

Next Steps: Deepening Our Impact

A Team Effort: Thank You

Agora World Selected as Finalist for QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Agora World Showcases Cutting-Edge 3D Data Visualization at Florida Venture Forum

Top 100 Entrepreneurs Selected to Move to Next Stage of the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge

Agora World and SurfWisely Forge Alliance to Enhance Cyber Safety in the Digital Age

MetaRick: From Selling Coffees to Building Virtual Worlds, Ethan Berg - Founder & CEO at Agora World (#25)

Agora World Advances to EPiC 2024 Global Finals in Hong Kong!

Acquisition International Most Innovative Immersive Experience Platform 2024

Stankevicius: Exclusive talk with industry’s known educator Dr. Jasmin Cowin

Startup Wise Guys’ Insider Review by Agora World’s Co-Founder Ethan Berg

Meet Ethan from Agora World

Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your startup?

Q: How did you come up with this idea?

Q: Why VR shopping?

Picking Startup Wise Guys

Q: Why Startup Wise Guys?

Q: What stood out about Startup Wise Guys?

Q: Can you elaborate on the practical approach?

Q: How was the application process? Do you remember it at all?

A Day in the Life during the Startup Wise Guys Program

Q: Can you describe a typical day during the program?

Q: What did your typical day involve?

Q: How much funding did you receive from the accelerator, and was it in exchange for equity?

The Program’s Value

﻿ Q: Beyond the funding, can you pinpoint a particular moment where the accelerator proved its worth?

Q: How did this impact your approach?

Q: In what ways did the program contribute to personal growth?

Q: What would you say was one of the greatest challenges during the program, and how did you overcome it?

Q: What achievements has your company made post-accelerator?

Q: How would you describe the change in the growth trajectory of your startup since completing the accelerator?

Advice for Accelerator Applications

Q: Do you have any advice for those looking to apply to this accelerator or any other accelerator?

VentureBeat: Building a ‘virtual Vegas’ in honor of CES

Agora World Beta Launch

"We believe in making creative tools accessible to everyone, anywhere, fostering individual privacy and organizational transparency. Our commitment is to an open community without gatekeeping, where enriching experiences and deep social connections can flourish"

From Coffee Sales to Virtual Realms: The Journey of Agora World’s Founder, Ethan Berg and More

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience: Teaching Emerging Technology at NYU Stern

The best ways to maintain work-life balance with starting a startup or small business?

The Art of Prioritization Ethan Berg - Agora World

Embracing Innovation and Connection at LG NOVA Innovation Festival

More Than Tech: Fostering Human Connections in a Digital Age

Agora World Accepted into NVIDIA Inception Program

Virtual Reality (VR) Collaboration Platform Market to Witness Steady Growth in 2023-2030 | The Wild, Mozilla, Yulio Technologies

Agora World: A Glimpse into the Future of Technology in Language Teaching and Learning by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Agora World: Build your own Space in the Metaverse easily and NO Coding

Cesium announces first four grant recipients

Press Release: Agora World Named Inaugural Recipient of Cesium Ecosystem Grants

Cesium Announces First Ecosystem Grant Recipients

Market Research Analyst: Retail in the Metaverse

Cesium Announces First Ecosystem Grant Recipients

Investigating the entrepreneurial potential of immersive applications

Philly’s tech meetups are back IRL. Here’s where to find a bunch of them in May

8 startups shaping the future of extended reality

Dr. Jasmin Cowin and “The Mitzvah of Mezzuzah and Metaverses” featured in the Israel Herald

EdUp host Holly Owens features Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin on “Preparing Educators for the Complexities of 21st Century Classrooms”

Top 10 No Code Low Code Platform Solution Providers 2022

High Flying Owls - Beyond the Future

Creating the Human Element in our Digital Experiences

VOICE22 on Demand Session Recordings: Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin – AI, Avatars and 21st Century Simulation Training for Educators

Agora.io Startup Battleground 2022

How Swarm AI and VR Will Unlock Collaboration in the Metaverse

101 Most Promising 3D Technology Startups with Seed Funding (United States)

Ethan Berg is bringing people together, one experience at a time.

Game-ify the real world with Agora World

Democratizing the Creation of Virtual Worlds

FRESH Takes on the Future of Work with Ethan Berg

Agora World the #6 Best Pennsylvania Events Startup

Unanimous AI and Agora World partner to bring Swarm Intelligence to the Metaverse

The Metaverse, NFTs & The Future Of Events | Events Three Dot Oh! with Ethan Berg

Here’s what you can see inside the Philly Tech Week metaverse kickoff

24th annual Be Your Own Boss Bowl® Live Pitch Event

Q: Beyond the funding, can you pinpoint a particular moment where the accelerator proved its worth?

The Art of Prioritization
Ethan Berg - Agora World