More than 100 higher education institutions are gaining a significant upgrade in learning technologies for their students, courtesy of UK startup immersive learning platform Bodyswaps and Meta Immersive Learning as part of the Immersive Learning Pilot Programme.

The initiative, which doubles as a research project led by Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, is providing virtual reality hardware and software to 106 colleges and universities: Bodyswaps is giving each institution a three-month unlimited access trial to its full soft skills learning library, while Meta Immersive Learning is donating Meta Quest 2 VR headsets.

"Immersive technologies represent an immense opportunity to improve education for traditionally underserved populations," explains Christophe Mallet, Bodyswaps CEO and cofounder. "This grant, the largest of its kind ever, will demonstrate the impact VR learning can have at scale and show the way for a more human-centric and equalitarian future for education."

Thomas More University of Applied Sciences will use the data collected from students and staff in the research project to demonstrate the potential impact of expanded technologies in education. The program aims to help students acquire the necessary skills to stand out in a competitive global job market.

Participating students will receive training in diversity and inclusion, public speaking, and employability training.