Snap Inc. Teams Up with VCUarts Qatar to Empower Future AR Innovators

Snap Inc. has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to host an exclusive Augmented Reality (AR) workshop for 50 Foundation year and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students at Web Summit Qatar. The session, titled “Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career,” offered students a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving AR field.

Led by Joseph Darko, Snap Inc.’s Global Head of AR Developer Relations, the workshop showcased both the creative and technical potential of AR technology. Darko emphasized that Augmented Reality is the future of human connection, helping people express themselves and engage with the world around them in new ways. Over the years, Snap’s AR technology has evolved from fun lenses to a powerful tool for personal expression and business innovation, with over 6 billion AR Lens plays daily on Snapchat worldwide, and more than 85% of daily users in the MENA region interacting with Lenses.

Throughout the session, Snap taught students how to create their own Snapchat Lens, offering practical insights into succeeding within the AR developer community. By investing in AR, Snap is not only helping shape the future of communication but also empowering the next generation of AR developers in the MENA region, aligning with the region’s digital transformation goals.

“Augmented Reality is the next frontier in human connection, and it was incredible to share the secrets to AR success with the talented students at VCUarts Qatar,” said Joseph Darko. “This workshop showcased how AR can amplify creativity, drive innovation across industries, and create career opportunities for aspiring developers.”

Lejla Niksic, Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar, highlighted how this partnership empowers students to explore innovative technologies like AR and bridge the gap between creativity and the digital world. Niksic noted that collaborating with Snap helps VCUarts Qatar position itself as a key player in nurturing cutting-edge creative practices that align with industry needs and technological advancements.

Varvera Guljajeva, Associate Professor of Kinetic Imaging at VCUarts Qatar, shared how her students found the workshop valuable, with one already planning to incorporate AR Lenses into their class project for greater interactivity.

As the AR field continues to transform industries like fashion, sports, tourism, and AI, Snap’s efforts at VCUarts Qatar highlight the growing demand for skilled AR developers in the MENA region. By supporting initiatives like the VCU workshop, Snap is helping the next generation of AR creators explore exciting career possibilities in the immersive world of Augmented Reality.