Ctruh, a young and ambitious tech company founded in early 2023, is aiming to do something few have attempted before—make XR (Extended Reality) technology as accessible and easy to use as smartphones and the internet.
Extended Reality, or XR, might sound like a futuristic concept, but it’s a powerful technology that encompasses Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Imagine being able to try on clothes without visiting a store, take a virtual tour of a historical site from your living room, or receive medical consultations that feel as personal as face-to-face meetings – all through a digital interface.
Yet, despite its promise, XR has remained largely out of reach for most businesses and creators due to two significant barriers:
Cost and complexity.
Until now, implementing XR experiences has traditionally required an army of specialized developers, highly skilled 3D designers, and expensive hardware. A single XR project could easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it accessible only to large corporations with deep pockets. Small businesses, independent creators, educators, and startups were left watching from the sidelines, unable to tap into the transformative potential of this technology.
This is where Vinay Agastya and Ctruh enter the story. Vinay’s journey began in the Indian startup ecosystem, starting his career at Swiggy, a prominent Indian company. His real introduction to immersive technologies came during his time at Scapic, an AR/VR company where he witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of XR technology. More importantly, he observed the significant gap preventing widespread adoption: the technology was revolutionary, but its complexity and cost kept it out of reach for most.
The idea for Ctruh was born from this observation. Agastya wasn’t just looking to create another tech product; he was driven by a vision to democratize XR technology. His goal was
to develop a 3D engine that would make creating immersive experiences as simple as building a website using Wix or creating a presentation using Canva.
Ctruh has developed its proprietary world’s first no-code/low-code 3D engine on the web, designed to democratize the creation of immersive experiences. The company’s technology allows businesses and creators to build, customize, and deploy XR content without needing extensive technical expertise or specialized hardware. All it takes is a standard device and an internet connection.
The 3D engine addresses the two primary obstacles to widespread XR adoption: accessibility and complexity.
On the accessibility front, Ctruh drastically reduces the cost of XR implementation. Traditional XR projects, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and require large development teams, are now achievable at a fraction of the price. According to the company, its no-code/low-code engine reduces XR development costs by up to 90%, making the technology viable for small and medium-sized businesses, educators, healthcare providers, and independent creators.
Ctruh also ensures accessibility extends to the end-user. Entire XR experiences are deployed via a simple URL, eliminating the need for any specialized devices or apps. Consumers can enjoy the best render quality on the web giving a lifelike 3D experience, delivered seamlessly to their existing devices—whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop—lowering the barrier to adoption for businesses and their audiences alike.
Second, complexity. While traditional XR solutions might take months of development, Ctruh enables users to deploy 3D experiences on the web within minutes. The platform is device-agnostic, meaning it works across various devices and operating systems, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. This simplicity allows businesses to innovate rapidly and respond to market demands without getting bogged down by technical challenges.
For instance, retailers can create virtual storefronts that deliver immersive online shopping experiences, complete with lifelike product renderings that rival physical store displays. Educators can develop interactive learning environments where students explore concepts in 3D, fostering engagement and deeper understanding. Healthcare providers can offer virtual consultations that feel as personal and detailed as in-person visits, providing a new level of care.
These are not futuristic fantasies but practical, achievable innovations powered by Ctruh’s groundbreaking 3D engine.
Ctruh’s approach draws parallels with previous technological revolutions. In India, the internet became truly accessible with the launch of Jio, which provided low-cost or free internet access to millions. The smartphone revolution was similarly driven by the size of IMU chips–sensors that enable touchscreen functionality–shrank to the size of a grain resulting in what once cost thousands of dollars becoming affordable and accessible to billions
Vinay sees XR at a similar technological tipping point. Just as the internet and smartphones transformed communication, shopping, and work, XR has the potential to redefine human interactions by bridging the gap between physical and digital worlds. However, for XR to reach its full potential, it must become accessible and easy to use – exactly what Ctruh is working to achieve.
The company’s name is a clever play on “see-through,” reflecting its mission to help businesses and individuals see past the complexities of XR because according to Agastya, XR is not a challenge, it’s an Advantage.
Since its launch, Ctruh has already begun making waves in the tech industry–The company was recently named one of Forbes’ Select 200 Companies with Global Potential, a testament to its innovative approach and market impact. The company has also secured backing from prestigious incubators such as NASSCOM and IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, as well as global tech giants like Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon, further cementing its position as a rising star in the XR industry.
The market projections are promising. The XR market is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 58.2% from 2024 to 2030. As more businesses and creators recognize the potential of immersive technologies, the demand for accessible, user-friendly tools will only increase. Ctruh is perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand.
Looking ahead, the company is investing heavily in research and development, exploring new features and capabilities that will make XR even more accessible and versatile. It is building partnerships with industry leaders, Government, and educational institutions to drive adoption and awareness of immersive technology.
As Ctruh continues to grow, it remains committed to its core mission: democratizing XR and making it a tool for innovation and transformation across industries. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, Ctruh is helping businesses and creators not just keep up but lead the way in the next wave of digital transformation.