SONA Education PARTNERSHIPs
SONA: Immersive Storytelling Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and creators working in XR, immersive film, games, and digital media. Each year, students and international creators present works that explore culture, technology, and new forms of storytelling. Participation enhances student portfolios, college applications, and personal growth by demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and intercultural learning. Through CETIC, SONA partners with leading schools and universities in Asia, including the University of Hong Kong’s Academy for the Talented, to connect top students with creative technology opportunities.
About CETIC and INNOVARES
CETIC leads education and technology initiatives across Asia, bridging creative media, data science, and immersive technologies. In 2025–2026, CETIC Education will collaborate with professors from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), ranked #1 in AI and Robotics and internationally recognized in Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, to launch INNOVARES, a program that includes both a Research Program and a Course Program. These initiatives focus on two key themes: Creative Tech (featuring Extended Reality, Filmmaking, Animation, and Cultural Game Design) and Human Tech (centered on Data Science and Social Impact), empowering students to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and social innovation. More information is available at https://innovares.tech/
CETIC 2025–2026 Course
The CETIC 2025–2026 Course is a year-long, cohort-based program led by CMU professors that integrates online and in-person learning to foster innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program unfolds in four interconnected phases: 1. From October to November 2025, students participate in a series of online weekend lectures on Global Culture and Emerging Technology, exploring personal IP development through immersive storytelling, creative technology, and data science. 2. In early January 2026, a three-day winter camp at the University of Hong Kong offers hands-on, collaborative workshops to develop and refine project ideas. 3. Between February and May 2026, students complete ten hours of foundational online coursework that strengthen their technical and conceptual skills. 4. The program culminates with ten-day summer camps from June to August 2026 hosted at CMU, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Participants develop innovative projects using VR, AR, and multimedia tools while working in teams with faculty mentors and industry leaders.
CETIC 2025–2026 Research
The CETIC 2025–2026 Research Program is a highly selective, research-based initiative developed in collaboration with CMU professors. It leverages the CMU academic ecosystem to emphasize small-group, project-based learning and innovation. Participants work within three specialized tracks: 1. Game Design with Cultural Insight; 2. Animation with Duolingo; 3. Machine Learning and Entrepreneurship. Running from December 2025 to May 2026, the program combines 30 hours of online study with monthly research assignments that build toward original projects. It concludes with a 10-day, in-person immersion at Carnegie Mellon University in mid-July 2026, where students finalize and present their research outcomes.
Exhibitions & Student Work
Each year, SONA features a student section alongside international works. Past exhibits have included XR documentaries, 360° films, interactive installations, and AR projects. Students from HKU, CDNIS, and CMU have contributed projects that reflect cultural identity, innovation, and collaboration.
Selected student works are invited to festivals, conferences, and exhibitions internationally.
Get Involved
For Students
Apply to join our camps and online courses. You will learn immersive media skills, collaborate with peers, and create a project ready to share at SONA and beyond.
For Schools
Partner with us to bring immersive storytelling to your students. Past collaborations have included CDNIS, HKU, and CETIC schools in Asia.
For Sponsors and Donors
Support SONA through sponsorship packages or donations. Sponsorship offers visibility during the festival and on promotional materials.
News & Updates
Keep up with the latest announcements, including calls for submissions, student highlights, and new collaborations.
Follow us on Instagram: @sona.cmu.festival
