India Summer Lensathon: A Celebration of Culture Through Augmented Reality

Unleashing Creativity with AR: India Summer Lensathon

The India Summer Lensathon (ISL) 2023 was an exhilarating AR Lens creation challenge presented by Snap AR India and powered by Hack2skill. Held in the past summer, ISL provided participants with a unique platform to explore the transformative power of Augmented Reality (AR) using Lens Studio. Through workshops and bootcamps, participants received hands-on training to create culturally relevant AR experiences that celebrate various aspects of local cultures, from food and music to fashion and humor.

Themes that Inspire: Celebrating Indian Culture

Participants embraced the theme “Celebrating Culture,” crafting AR lenses that resonated with their communities. These lenses were designed not only to entertain but also to educate and engage Snapchat users worldwide. The competition aimed to build a repository of lenses that capture the essence of diverse cultures, encouraging cultural exchange and appreciation on a global scale.

Engagement and Rewards: Prizes and Recognition

ISL offered substantial rewards to motivate participants, including total cash prizes amounting to ₹10.5 Lakhs, Snapchat goodies, and digital certificates for outstanding lens submissions. Each week, a prize of ₹1,00,000/- was awarded to the lens that garnered the highest engagement, incentivizing participants to create compelling and interactive AR experiences.

Impact and Reach: Global Participation and Educational Influence

A Growing Creator Community

Lensathons like ISL play a vital role in fostering community engagement among creators. By promoting the Lens Studio Platform, ISL increased awareness of AR technology and inspired enthusiasts to explore new creative possibilities.

Educational Workshops and Bootcamps

Throughout ISL, 11 workshops, both offline and virtual, as well as mini lensathons, were conducted by Snap lens Ambassadors and official creators. These sessions not only enhanced participants' AR skills but also encouraged academic institutions to integrate AR Labs into their curricula, nurturing future generations of AR developers and designers.

Challenging Opportunities for Students & Professionals

The competition provided students with valuable opportunities for growth and innovation. Participants included XR developers, AR enthusiasts, design engineers, 3D artists, and product engineers, all vying to showcase their talents and contribute to the evolution of AR technology.

Participation Snapshot

ISL garnered impressive participation:

• Total Registrations: Over 5000 enthusiastic creators registered for the challenge.

• Total Lens Submissions: Over 2000 unique AR lenses were submitted, each reflecting the diversity and creativity of its creator.

• Global Reach: The event attracted participants from 19 countries, fostering a global exchange of cultural perspectives.

• Academic Engagement: More than 800 academic institutes worldwide were involved, underscoring the event's educational impact and influence.

Celebrating Success: Winners of India Summer Lensathon

After rigorous evaluation by a panel of judges, the winners of ISL were announced. These talented individuals and teams demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical proficiency in crafting AR lenses that captivated audiences and celebrated cultural diversity. The winners not only received prestigious rewards and recognition but also contributed significantly to the advancement of AR technology and cultural expression on Snapchat.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Vibrant Event

The India Summer Lensathon was a resounding success, highlighting the power of AR technology to unite and inspire creators worldwide. By celebrating cultural diversity through innovative AR lenses, ISL not only entertained but also educated and fostered cultural appreciation. As we look towards the future, events like ISL will continue to shape the landscape of AR development, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange on a global scale.