Co-founder and COO of MetaVRse Inc., Julie Smithson is a trailblazer in the world of emerging technology. Her stellar career demonstrates an incredible fusion of innovation, persistence, and advocacy for gender equality, making her one of the most influential women in technology today. Her story is not only a testament to her perseverance but also an inspiration to women striving to make their mark in the tech industry.
Creating Immersive Realities in Business
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Julie’s company MetaVRse Inc. stands at the leading edge of technology, where virtual and augmented reality intersects with business solutions. “My company is a 3D creation platform and engine for business,” Julie explains. “I’m currently working on immersive training for enterprise, brand marketing experiences, and collaboration experiences using Web3.” She believes these immersive technologies can transform traditional business models by fostering better collaboration and enhancing training and marketing experiences. “At MetaVRse, we are using the technologies to bring people together in a collaboration space that is more immersive to build a transformative connection for training and marketing applications,” she reveals. As her clients embrace the future with spatial design and awareness, they are empowered to innovate and evolve. In this vision of the future, businesses leverage technology to adapt, thrive, and grow in a digital landscape continuously reshaped by innovation.
Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond her role at MetaVRse, Julie co-chairs XRWomen.com, a global community of women in technology meeting weekly for over two and a half years. This platform is part of her broader vision for inclusivity, aimed at boosting the representation of women and promoting diversity of race and ethnicity in the tech sector and beyond. “At XRWomen, we are building an ecosystem of diversity, building the future, and inspiring them to be confident and have a voice in the conversation,” says Julie. Here, women are not just beneficiaries but key contributors to a future that thrives on diversity and the unique perspectives it fosters.
Power of Technology: Building a Better Tomorrow
According to Julie, the true power of technology lies in its potential to shape the future. “Seeing the technology revolutionize over the past 13 years, I have seen the way the technology has advanced through Humanics with the advancement of the hardware and software capabilities,” she says. Julie’s contribution to the innovation ecosystem is significant. Over the past seven years, MetaVRse has been instrumental in developing over 200 immersive technology projects spanning various industries. “Spending time developing and innovating with our clients in discovery building and learning from the utility, then applying new lessons and updated software or developments revolutionized our company to navigate the complex technology landscape,” Julie asserts. Through these projects, she has acquired a profound understanding of technology’s workings and potential applications. This knowledge, coupled with the multiple awards that MetaVRse has won for immersive training and brand experiences, underlines Julie’s commitment to creating transformative tech solutions.
A Future Built on Convergence
She envisions a future where technology is the backbone for creating a better world for future generations. In this future, innovations such as smart contracts and blockchain will streamline processes and collaborations, increasing efficiency and enabling good governance. Looking to the future, Julie predicts an exciting convergence of technologies that will shape the tech landscape in the next five to ten years. “I foresee the convergence of Blockchain and AI coming together with the increased knowledge of understanding that 3D, AR, VR & MR are ways to deploy immersive experiences that bring all of this technology together,” she envisions. However, she is not just excited about the future but inspired by it. The opportunity to shape the world of education through technology invigorates her. She anticipates an education system that caters to each individual’s passions and skill sets, providing on-demand learning and fostering a culture of lifelong education. Her vision for the future of education is embodied in the Unlimited Awesome Academy (UAA), an initiative she is deeply passionate about. “This program will provide the perseverance guidelines and real-world skills to support entrepreneurship through a time of exponential growth with new skills,” Julie shares. The UAA aims to rewire traditional education, equipping learners with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
A Voice for Women in Tech
Julie’s journey, while rewarding, has not been without its challenges. One significant obstacle she faced was asserting her voice in a predominantly male industry. “Working to present my knowledge in an ecosystem with predominantly males has always been a challenge to prove my knowledge or have my voice heard,” she admits. However, she turned these challenges into opportunities to assert herself and forge a path for other women. Her advice to other women carving their paths in their respective fields is: “Be brave. Confident. Listen and Learn. Learn as much as you can and persevere.” As a leader in emerging technology and a fervent advocate for gender equality, Julie is undoubtedly a woman shaping the future. Her career exemplifies how technology, when used responsibly and inclusively, can create a world that is both better, fairer, empowering, and endlessly inspiring. She serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for women to seize the opportunities of the future. The journey she has embarked on is far from over, and the world watches with eager anticipation to see what transformative changes she will drive next.
OPEN TO MENTOR
TORONTO, CANADA
