Mentorship

At GRACE, mentorship is not an optional extra or a short-term internship. From the first semester onwards, every student is embedded in a continuous mentorship trajectory that runs throughout the full two years of the programme.

Mentors from industry and applied research are introduced early, matched to students through a structured matchmaking process, and remain involved as projects evolve from early ideas to real-world deployment and a master’s thesis. This ensures that learning, experimentation, and professional practice are tightly connected from start to finish.

Semester 1

St. Pölten, Austria

Introduction and matchmaking
Students are introduced to the GRACE mentorship network in the first semester. Through guided exploration of domains such as health, education, and smart industries, students identify their interests and are matched with a mentor aligned to their ambitions. This phase focuses on orientation, problem framing, and early concept development.

Semester 2

Enschede, Netherlands

From ideas to low-fidelity prototypes
Together with their mentor, students translate ideas into low-fidelity concepts and prototypes. Mentors provide domain insight, feedback on feasibility, and industry context, while students experiment and iterate in a safe learning environment.

Semester 3

Valmiera, Latvia

High-fidelity development and validation
Projects mature into high-fidelity XR and gamified solutions. Mentors are actively involved in reviewing technical decisions, user experience, and applicability in professional settings. Testing with real users or organisations becomes central.

Semester 4

Austria, Netherlands, Latvia

Real-world application and thesis
The mentorship relationship culminates in real-world testing, evaluation, and the master’s thesis. Many projects are validated in professional contexts, forming a strong bridge to employment, entrepreneurship, or further applied research.

Mentorship Partners

Our mentorship partners include leading technology companies, research institutions, and industry pioneers who are committed to supporting the next generation of XR professionals. Each mentor offers expertise in areas such as immersive technologies, interactive media, simulation, and digital innovation. By collaborating with these organisations, GRACE students benefit from one-on-one mentorship, project feedback, and networking opportunities that prepare them for the evolving job market.

Below, you will find an overview of our mentorship partners, including their logos and links to their respective websites.