The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Launches AI and XR Sandboxes at TASMU Innovation Lab

• The AI and XR Sandboxes were launched at Web Summit Qatar 2025.
• The initiatives provide hands-on learning opportunities and prototyping using cutting-edge technologies.
• The initiatives accelerate the adoption of AI and Extended Reality technologies across various sectors.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced the launch of two experimental initiatives—the AI Sandbox and XR Sandbox—within the TASMU Innovation Lab, unveiled during Web Summit Qatar 2025. These initiatives aim to foster technological advancement and innovation in Qatar’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, empowering startups, researchers, and developers to explore experimental solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) while expanding their applications to drive economic growth.

A sandbox refers to a secure, isolated testing environment designed to experiment and develop software, applications, or technologies without affecting core systems or existing operational environments. It acts as a safe incubator, enabling developers and researchers to test new ideas, implement changes, and run codes or applications separately from main systems, reducing the risk of errors or disruptions.

The AI Sandbox, developed in collaboration with the Deloitte AI Institute and powered by Google’s Vertex AI platform, provides a flexible environment for developers, innovators, and businesses to experiment with and develop AI-driven solutions. The initiative enables close collaboration with AI experts to design, prototype, and test AI-powered solutions, ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness.

A key feature of the AI Sandbox is its ability to conduct secure testing of new solutions without impacting live operational systems. It also supports low-code and no-code development capabilities, allowing users of varying technical expertise to participate and contribute ideas effectively. Participants receive hands-on guidance from AI solution architects and data scientists through structured mentoring sessions, along with curated learning materials that empower them to develop intelligent and practical AI solutions.

The XR Sandbox, developed in collaboration with Deloitte Digital, serves as an experimental incubator for Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). The platform offers participants a strong knowledge base on XR technologies and practical skill-building opportunities through prototyping.

The XR Sandbox highlights the crucial role of XR technologies in enhancing key sectors such as smart cities, education, healthcare, tourism, and retail. Additionally, the platform features a unified resource dashboard for managing assets and offers customized training programs to support participants in executing real-world projects efficiently.

Ms. Eman Al Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at MCIT, emphasized the importance of AI and XR sandboxes as key enablers of digital innovation, stating:

“These experimental environments serve as powerful catalysts for digital innovation, providing a secure and flexible space for collaboration between government entities, innovators, developers, businesses, data experts, and AI engineers. By offering these advanced platforms, we aim to accelerate digital transformation by adopting cutting-edge technologies capable of addressing real-world challenges, supporting economic growth, and strengthening Qatar’s position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation regionally and globally.”

She further added: “The AI and XR Sandboxes offer a unique opportunity to explore new frontiers in digital interaction, opening doors to creativity and development. In alignment with the Digital Agenda 2030, our goal is to Qatarize these technologies to enhance quality of life, deliver innovative and efficient digital experiences that meet the needs of individuals and communities, and strengthen our ability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.”