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XR Developer · AI Engineer · Creative Technologist · Wales, UK

VELA
aka VELMURUGAN CHOKKANATHAN

MSc Virtual Reality  ·  AI & Machine Learning  ·  Visual Communication
Building immersive futures at the edge of spatial computing

scroll to explore eras
01

2017 — 2022 · Visual Origins

Cinema &
Visual Language

"Every frame is a decision. Every edit is a sentence."

A foundation in visual communication and cinematic storytelling from Loyola College, India. Professional work across film editing, colour grading, branded content, and post-production pipelines — including M69 Robo Sapiens, an experimental sci-fi film integrating AI-assisted VFX workflows.

Film Direction Colour Grading Storyboarding Post Production Visual Communication AI-Assisted VFX

▶   Notable Film Works — Click to Watch

05

Writing · Research · Ideas

Blog &
Published Work

"Data is the new oil, but storytelling is the engine that drives its power."

Published long-form essays and research articles on the intersection of AI, society, and media — covering bias in machine learning systems, India's digital economy, and the ethics of emerging technology. Writing hosted on Medium.

AI Ethics Research Writing Media Studies Critical Theory
Read on Medium ↗
02

2021 — 2022 · Intelligence

Artificial
Intelligence

"Teaching machines to see what humans overlook."

Postgraduate AI & Machine Learning training at the University of Texas at Austin and Great Lakes Institute. Covers predictive modelling, deep learning fundamentals, Python data workflows, and applied industry projects — the technical backbone connecting spatial computing to intelligent systems.

Python Machine Learning Data Workflows Neural Networks Computer Vision NLP
03

2024 — 2025 · Immersive Design

Virtual
Worlds

"Presence is not a feature — it is the point."

MSc Virtual Reality projects at Swansea University — spanning environmental storytelling, aquaculture training simulation, industrial AR, and narrative game design. Each project explores presence, purpose, and the power of immersive technology to educate, move, and transform. Core stack: Unity 3D, XR Interaction Toolkit, Vuforia, C#.

Unity 3D XR Interaction Toolkit C# NavMesh AI Yarn Spinner Spatial UI Simulation
04

2025 — 2026 · Heritage XR

Sands of
Time AR

"Layering the past onto the present — stone by stone."

Augmented reality reconstruction of Swansea Castle: a concept system that digitally restores lost medieval architecture through mobile and wearable XR. Designed for tourism, education, and public heritage engagement. Spatial overlays, educational storytelling layers, and smart glasses–ready architecture. Research extended to Oystermouth Castle for AR heritage interpretation using XREAL Beam Pro and Unity.

Markerless AR Unity 3D XREAL SDK Vuforia Engine Heritage Tech Spatial Storytelling
05

2026 · Spatial Computing

Future
Interfaces

"The next interface is the world itself."

Open for XR developer roles, spatial computing research, and PhD opportunities across HCI, AI + immersive systems, and cultural heritage digitisation. Ideal collaborations: UK XR startups, EU research labs, heritage innovation grants, and spatial AI companies pioneering the next computing paradigm.

Spatial Computing Human–Computer Interaction Smart Glasses Digital Twins PhD Ready Open to Relocation
XR Developer
Unity · AR Foundation · Wearable XR · Spatial UI systems.
Research Interests
Presence in VR · Cognitive load in immersive systems · XR for public history.
07

Professional History

Experience

Chief Innovation Officer
RThree · Full-time
Jul 2023 – Jan 2026  ·  2 yrs 7 mos  ·  Chennai, India · Hybrid
CIO ↗

RThree is a Chennai-based creative and branding agency founded in 2020, specialising in logo design, 2D & 3D animation, brand identity, digital marketing, UX/UI, motion graphics, and web development. As Chief Innovation Officer, led strategic direction, business development, and creative innovation across client campaigns and brand transformation projects.

Business Strategy Brand Innovation Business Development Creative Direction Digital Marketing
Editor
StayTune · Part-time
Sep 2021 – Jan 2026  ·  4 yrs 5 mos  ·  Greater Chennai Area · Hybrid
ED ↗

StayTune is a digital media and content production company based in Chennai. Part-time editorial role covering video production, content editing, and media asset delivery across digital platforms — combining storytelling craft with technical post-production workflows. Role concluded January 2026.

Video Production Content Editing Post Production Digital Media
Video Editor
The Madras Branding Company · Full-time
Oct 2020 – Feb 2021  ·  5 mos  ·  Chennai, India · On-site
VE ↗

The Madras Branding Company (TMBC) is a Chennai-based technology marketing and brand consulting agency founded in 2020, with 51–200 employees and clients including Flipkart, Polygon, and Firedrops. Delivered professional video editing and post-production work within a fast-paced creative agency environment, using Final Cut Pro and production pipeline workflows.

Final Cut Pro Video Editing Production Pipelines Brand Campaigns

◈   Volunteer Experience

Swansea Science Festival
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea · Oct 2024
Promoted the MSc Virtual Reality programme and demonstrated immersive VR experiences to museum visitors. Engaged prospective students and the public on VR's practical applications in education and industry.
Go Green Week 2025
Swansea University, Singleton Campus · Feb 2025
Showcased climate-focused VR including Crab's Ocean Adventure and an Earthquake Simulator. Facilitated public discussions on sustainability and demonstrated how immersive technology drives climate awareness.
Urdd Eisteddfod Festival
Margam Castle, Swansea · May 2025
Event volunteer at Wales' national youth festival. Supported coordination, guest interaction, and wayfinding to ensure a welcoming experience for families and participants throughout the festival.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Loyola College · Sep – Nov 2018
Led a 3-month social work initiative providing free home tuition to school children, organising Sports Day and Independence Day events, and securing funding for ten sewing machines to support women's vocational empowerment. Also mobilised Kerala flood relief resources and donated educational supplies including notebooks and stationery to underserved children.
08

Lifelong Learning · Verified Credentials

Certifications

Available — 2026

Let's build
something
extraordinary.

Open to XR roles, filmmaking collaborations, research partnerships, and PhD opportunities in the UK & Worldwide.