The Metaverse is rapidly taking shape in the world, and among the luminaries of the digital revolution stands Dr. Giovanna Graziosi Casimiro, a visionary par excellence. Through her dedication and unyielding pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Casimiro shapes the future of tech and demonstrates that the real-world impact of advanced technologies goes beyond our screens and seeps into our day-to-day lives.
Bridging the Gap
Dr. Casimiro, an industry leader in XR production, is a beacon of empowerment for women in the tech sector. Recognized as one of the ‘Most Influential Women in Crypto’ by CryptoNewsZ and a Threedium Top 50 XR Award recipient, she has a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is truly possible.
She recently joined Phygicode as Head of Production for Phygicode Lab. Phygicode is a company dedicated to fostering the mass adoption of the spatial web with tools to improve physical products and experiences by bridging the gap between physical and digital products. Her pioneering work encapsulates the future of technology as it seeks to transform industries ranging from retail and hospitality to lifestyle and entertainment.
Her global exposure and comprehensive experience over a decade in the field have led her to serve as a mentor at MIT during their Hacking Arts 2016 to 2018 and as a Senior Professor at SENAC University Centre, a renowned public federal university in Brazil. Before joining Phygicode, Dr. Casimiro has served as a faculty member at Institute Francais de La Mode, Metaverse Producer at Decentraland Foundation since 2021, and she was Head of Metaverse Fashion Week since its launch in 2022 and then again in 2023.
“I strive to expand the possibilities for creators, fostering innovative approaches to exploring culture and heritage,” she asserts. “Because preparing the future generations of creators, designers, and artists is crucial for the ongoing success of the innovation scene.”
Dr. Casimiro’s conviction in the power of technology to shape our future and improve the world for generations to come is palpable. She believes technology has always been integral to human existence and has continually enhanced our lives.
“I really believe in mass adoption. I believe everybody should be part of the digital revolution, and for that, we need to look into every single individual in this space,” Dr. Casimiro says. “In this way, technology becomes a conduit for humanizing our lives, enriching our experiences, and empowering us to fulfill our collective purpose,” she insists.
The Backstory of a Tech Visionary
Tracing back her roots to the influence of her architect grandfather, Dr. Casimiro’s life is a tale steeped in culture and creativity. From an early age, she discovered the transformative power of art and communication, gradually shaping her destiny as a changemaker. Her academic pursuits in visual arts, digital pattern design, fashion, and art installation illuminated her path, encouraging her to question the status quo and breathe life into her ideas through a politically‑informed lens.
Her initial encounter with emerging technology occurred during her Master’s studies in Mixed Reality for Museums and Art Galleries. That’s when she created MobArt, an AR platform that allowed users to explore artwork virtually. Concurrently, she was engaged with FILE, one of the world’s largest digital art festivals in São Paulo, Brazil.
Dr. Casimiro’s impressive trajectory included an early initiation into academia as a Professor of Digital Design at 24, followed by her leadership of an XR laboratory at 26. A thirst for cultural and professional diversity led her to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, immersing herself in artistic residencies and global consulting projects where she’s lived and worked on four continents, spanning over seven countries.
Defying Paradigms
“When we dare to think differently, we pave the way to a future unrestricted by the past.” This simple yet profound philosophy guides Dr. Casimiro’s unwavering commitment to exploring emerging technologies.
An unapologetic audacity sets Dr. Casimiro apart in her role as a technological innovator. It is not only her skills and hands‑on approach to new technologies or her extensive academic background that enrich her practical perspectives. Instead, it’s her ability to critically evaluate and challenge conventional methodologies and practices, serving as a disruptor in her field.
Her journey is studded with innovative projects, each more impactful than the last. The AR application “Look Again,” developed for the Illuminus Festival in Boston, Massachusetts, was a time travel experience using AR. It showcased different eras of the town’s oldest house, transforming technology into a conduit of historical exploration.
In partnership with Red Bull Brazil, she fused IoT with urban art, creating an interactive cityscape called “Inter Emotional Swings.” This installation lit up with the human touch, transmuting urban spaces into safer, warmer environments.
Fest.AR, the first AR Latin American Festival, and MobArt exemplify her vision of integrating technology and culture.
Her recent leadership in Metaverse Fashion Week and other Metaverse events have allowed her to explore her leadership and innovation skills, opening doors for younger creators and consolidating a new creators’ economy.
The Future is Female
Dr. Casimiro champions authenticity and diversity. She firmly believes that as women, “we need to forge our path as a unique path.” Learning and adaptability are crucial for success, especially in the rapidly evolving tech industry. And, as women face unique challenges, she strongly advocates for creating supportive communities where women empower each other and fight against cultural and social injustices.
“The first and most important one is empathy towards other women. We must support each others’ dreams and ventures as a strong community,” Dr. Casimiro advises. “The second piece of advice is to look for mentoring the new generation of females around you. I am lucky to have met incredible ladies through my journey that changed my life, took me by the hand, and showed me new possibilities. They gave me strength and a perspective about the future as a female leader.” She adds that she is honored to work for a business founded and run by a woman (Andrea Abrams), and to be part of a book published by such strong female community.
Dr. Casimiro passionately believes that the most profound insights into the future come from those destined to live it: the younger generations. “The youngest will be the ones that will be able to lead us into solutions for their generation,” she states. This powerful sentiment urges us to listen to the voices of young people around us. They are not just inheritors of the future; they are its architects. They will pave the way for truly groundbreaking innovation.
Dr. Casimiro’s words inspire and embolden. They tell us that the future will be shaped by those who dare to venture into the unknown and are not afraid to question, learn, and build. They tell us that the future is female. The future is now.
