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TL;DR
TUM-XR: Student Initiative is a leading student initiative at the Technical University of Munich focused on Extended Reality (XR). It brings together innovators from various backgrounds to explore XR through collaboration on projects, workshops, events, and community activities. Members can engage in technical and humanities-oriented pursuits, fostering an open community. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Join TUM-XR: Student Initiative to help shape the future of XR.
Welcome to the TUM-XR: Student Initiative Application Portal
Thank you for your interest in joining TUM-XR: Student Initiative, Munich’s leading student initiative focused on extended reality (XR) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Our mission is to bring together innovative thinkers from different backgrounds to explore the potential of XR and related disciplines.
On our XR Project Platform, our members not only can explore projects from the academia and industry, but also projects submitted by other members, encouraging collaborations among our XR community. Through a diverse array of projects, we engage in both technical pursuits—such as hardware engineering, AI, software development, and digital twins—and humanities-focused projects like creative media, gaming, and educational applications of XR.
Our members, regardless of their background, have the chance to flourish in an open XR community, collaborate with talents from different disciplines, and take part in hands-on projects, workshops, hackathons, conferences, gaming parties, music events, and other cultural activities.
We seek to unite all XR talents, regardless of their background, under one initiative, and offer a platform for them to learn and grow. Through our XR Project Platform, we aim to connect academia with industry, lay a solid foundation to prepare Germany for the Era of XR, and secure TUM as the leading entrepreneurial hub in the XR domain.
Note: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. To ensure the best chance of securing a spot, we encourage interested candidates to submit their applications early, as placements will be allocated in waves.
Join us now. Together, we will build the future of XR.
TL;DR
The application phase for TUM-XR: Student Initiative is open from April 16th to May 21st, welcoming all backgrounds to apply. Accepted members can join project teams or internal operations immediately or wait for an onboarding event. Members can participate in various exclusive projects, workshops led by experienced developers, and events like hackathons and exhibitions. There are also opportunities to get involved in administration through various departments. The choice of involvement is flexible, allowing members to shape their own journey in the XR community. Apply now to get started!
Application Phase
During the application phase (from April 16th to May 21st), everyone, regardless of their background, institution, study program, and experience, is welcome to apply through this application portal. We employ a rolling applications model, meaning we evaluate the applications as they come in and will inform you of the result as soon as we have made a decision.
After being accepted, you have the option of immediately joining our team to work on projects or get involved in our internal operations. You also have the option to wait until the end of the application phase, after which there will be an onboarding event to welcome all new members accepted in this recruitment round. The main factor is your experience in XR. If you are a complete beginner but would only like to work on XR projects, it may be better to wait until after the onboarding event, when we will offer workshops. Of course, you can also choose to get involved in our internal operations as soon as you are accepted. The decision is completely yours.
Form of Involvement as a Member
Upon acceptance, you officially become a member of TUM-XR: Student Initiative and are free to participate in the wide range of exclusive projects and events we offer. You can engage in research, industry collaborations, and community activities without the responsibility of administration.
- The XR Project Platform
If you want to work on projects, you can register for a project you are interested in from our XR Project Platform. If we deem you suitable for the task, you can join the corresponding project team immediately. We offer a wide variety of projects, from academia and industry, from more technical to culture-focused.
If you have your own project and are looking for collaborators, you can request to have your project hosted on our XR Project Platform, where other members can register and join your team. In addition, you will have the chance to showcase your project to the public on our demo days.
- Educational and Fun Events
If you are not yet ready to work on projects, you can join our XR workshops offered by highly experienced XR developers. We will walk you through the basics step by step, after which you can solidify what you have learnt by working on the projects we offer.
Besides workshops, we also offer you the opportunity to travel across Europe to participate in talks, hackathons, exhibitions, and conferences, where you can explore the latest developments in XR and connect with professionals in the industry.
If you just want a break from your studies, we have also got you covered. You can join our VR gaming parties, music events, and other XR cultural events to mingle with great people from different backgrounds.
- Department of Projects
– Responsible for the design and execution or supervision of internal and collaborated XR projects.
– Organizes demo days or project exhibitions. - Department of Events
– Organizes events such as workshops, hackathons, talks, community meetups, and VR gaming parties.
– Creates event timelines and manages guest invitations.
– Collaborates with Project and Venture departments for joint events.
– Organize events together with other organizations such as START Munich, TUM Blockchain Club, The Entrepreneurial Group, TUM Business Game, RoboTUM, etc. - Department of Operations (with 3 subteams)
– Sponsors & Partners Team
– Marketing & Outreach Team
– Human Resources Team - Department of Venture
– Organizes Founders’ Fireside Chats, XR Demo & Pitch Nights.
– Networks with incubators, VCs, and startups.
– Works closely with START Munich, The Entrepreneurial Group, TUM Business Game, CDTM, Manage&More, UnternehmerTUM, gate Garching, TUM Venture Labs, etc.
– Encourages and supports internal startup ideas from our XR community.
As you gain experience and become familiar with our operations, you will have the chance to take on leadership roles, from project managers and team leads, to heads of departments, and eventually becoming the director of our initiative. If you are highly motivated and competent, you will also have the chance to join the Executive Committee directly alongside other heads of departments, and get involved in decision-making on the highest level.
Upon acceptance, you have the complete freedom to choose your own path in our initiative. Whether it be projects, events, or administration, the decision is entirely yours.
Apply now. Embark on your unique journey in the world of XR!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the currently available positions?
Flexibility is at the core of our initiative. Therefore, we do not advertise any vacancies or open positions. We believe that freedom empowers growth. All applicants will submit general applications, which we will evaluate based on the individual profiles of the applicants rather than their alignment with our current vacancies. In the application form, you can specify your interests and area of expertise, which would help us suggest roles and projects that match your talents and interests. Nevertheless, you have the complete freedom to choose anything that interests you after being accepted, be it a specific project, event, or department.
Who are we looking for?
At TUM-XR: Student Initiative, we envision an open XR community where technology intersects with the humanities. We believe diversity and freedom is the key to innovation. Therefore, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds to apply. The only requirement is that you are skilled in your own field, willing to learn and ambitious to take on interdisciplinary challenges.
Do I need to have prior experience in XR?
No, we welcome and encourage applicants from every field. Whether from the technical or humanities side, you are welcome to apply. Even without prior experience in XR, you can begin building your XR portfolio by participating in our workshops upon acceptance.
XR is a vibrant domain that merges technical disciplines with artistic creativity and business acumen. Our mission is to expand the frontiers of XR across all these areas.
Until when can I apply?
Please apply by 23:59 on May 21st, 2025. After that, the application portal will be closed.
Are there any info events where I can learn more?
We will hold an info session on May 5th @6pm. An XR community meetup event will follow afterwards. So, even if you do not plan to apply, you can still come to connect with professionals in the XR industry. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about our initiative and expand your connections in the XR field!
Who can I contact for further questions?
Please reach out at contact@tum-xr.com should you have any questions about the application form, the recruitment process, or TUM-XR: Student Initiative in general.