UPES has become one of the first institutions in India to integrate Extended Reality (XR) into its MBA curriculum, setting a new benchmark in management education. On May 16, the School of Business at UPES conducted an Immersive XR Simulation session, in collaboration with INSEAD XR, one of the world’s leading centres in immersive educational technology.
The pilot session featured two cutting-edge XR simulations – The Avocado Case, focusing on strategic decision-making, and Mission to Mars, aimed at enhancing critical thinking and team collaboration. Donning virtual reality headsets, students were transported into immersive, high-impact environments—from negotiating on the sunlit beaches of Zanzibar to making mission-critical decisions inside the command centres of a Mars expedition. These simulations provided a unique opportunity for students to interact with complex business scenarios in a multi-sensory setting that closely mirrors real-world dynamics.
The initiative drew strong participation and enthusiasm from students, as students experienced first-hand how immersive technologies can elevate business education beyond traditional classrooms. These simulations, powered by INSEAD XR, offered more than just insight—they offered immersion, allowing students to step into complex business challenges and develop practical, decision-making skills in a controlled yet dynamic environment.
Following the success of this pilot, UPES will formally integrate XR simulations into the MBA program from the upcoming semester. This structured inclusion is part of a broader effort to deliver advanced, experiential learning that prepares students to navigate the realities of today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
