Between the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM and International Women’s Day, the MASTER project is highlighting the women who are helping shape the future of XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
In this first interview, we speak with Maria Madarieta Elordi, a telecommunications engineer with extensive experience in immersive technologies, XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More training, and serious games. From her early career training engineers in telecommunications infrastructure to her current work on XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More platforms for robotics training at Virtualware, Maria brings a unique perspective on how immersive technologies can make complex systems safer, more accessible, and easier to learn.
As part of the MASTER project, Maria contributes to the development of XR-based robotics training environments that aim to democratise access to immersive technologies and empower non-experts to create meaningful XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More content.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
MM: “My name is Maria Madarieta Elordi, and I am a telecommunications engineer. Early in my career, I trained engineers and telecommunications technicians in the installation of antenna systems, fibre optic infrastructure, and structured cabling according to industry regulations.
In 2014 I moved to Mexico, where I began working with Virtualware as the person responsible for immersive content and training projects involving virtual realityVirtual reality (VR) refers to a technology that creates a simulated environment or experience using various hardware and software components. The goal of VR is to provide users with a sense of presence and immersion in a virtual world that feels realistic and interactive. There are two main types of More, augmented realityAugmented reality (AR) enhances our perception of reality by overlaying computer-generated content such as images, videos, or 3D models, onto the real world, creating an interactive experience. AR has transformed numerous sectors by adding digitally generated objects to the real-life environment. More, and serious games. I later returned to the Basque Country, where I continue to work at Virtualware’s Basauri headquarters, focusing on XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technologies and the VIROO platform.”
What sparked your interest in science & technology?
MM: “My interest in technology grew naturally from a desire to understand how complex systems work and how immersive tools can enhance real-world learning and training. XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technologies fascinated me because they blend virtual and physical environments in ways that help people learn safely, intuitively, and effectively, particularly in high-stakes domains like robotics or medical response.”
Were there any role models or experiences that inspired you to pursue this path?
MM: “A defining experience was my move to Mexico in 2014, where I was introduced to immersive technologies through Virtualware. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineers, simulation experts, and training specialists, showed me how powerful XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More can be when applied to real operational challenges. This collaboration-driven environment continues to inspire me today.”
What is your role within the MASTER project?
MM: “I contribute to the MASTER project as part of the group working with XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technologies for robotics training. My work aligns with the project’s primary technological goals: developing an Open XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More platform for creating, deploying, and managing XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More content; enabling safe and realistic robotics training environments; and bridging the gap between real and virtual robots.
This involves translating complex technical capabilities into practical workflows and user-friendly training solutions.”
What excites you most about working on MASTER?
MM: “What excites me most is how MASTER aims to enable non-experts to create XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More content for robotics and manufacturing. Democratising XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More creation fosters innovation and makes these technologies accessible to educators, trainers, and organisations that wouldn’t otherwise have the resources or expertise to build immersive environments.”
What does being a woman in STEM mean to you?
MM: “Being a woman in STEM means contributing to a field where diverse perspectives are essential for real innovation. It also means embracing visibility by showing younger generations that women belong in advanced technology roles, from engineering to XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More research and development.
I recently took part in an initiative, ‘Women in XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More’, which highlighted how women are reshaping the STEM paradigm, and it reinforced how important representation truly is.”
Maria’s tips to young women, who are considering a career in STEM or XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More
- Be curious and follow that curiosity confidently: STEM and XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More evolve fast, and there is no single “right path” to enter these fields. Let curiosity guide you. Explore tools, experiment with ideas, and don’t be afraid to try things before you feel fully ready.
- Build, play, and prototype early: XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More is incredibly hands‑on. You learn more by creating simple experiences (even imperfect ones) than by waiting to master everything first. Every experiment counts.
- Surround yourself with supportive communities: Initiatives like Women in XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More show how powerful it is when women share experiences, challenges, and inspiration. Look for meetups, online groups, or mentors who encourage your voice and growth. Collaboration accelerates confidence.
- Your perspective is not just welcome… it’s needed: Innovation thrives on diversity. Women bring ways of thinking, designing, and problem‑solving that enrich the field. Don’t minimize the value of what you uniquely contribute.
- Don’t let stereotypes or doubt limit you: STEM and XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More are for everyone, and they benefit from a wide range of minds. If something feels complex or intimidating at first, that’s normal — keep going. These fields are learnable with persistence and the right support.
- Enjoy the journey: Working in XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More, especially, means shaping the future of how people learn, train, and interact. It’s an exciting space where creativity and engineering come together, and there is so much room to grow.
Maria’s journey shows how curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation can open doors in fast-evolving fields like XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More and robotics. Her work within MASTER reflects the project’s broader ambition: making advanced technologies accessible, practical, and impactful across education, training, and industry.
Through her experience, Maria also reminds us why representation matters, not only to inspire future generations of women in STEM, but to ensure that innovation benefits from diverse perspectives and ways of thinking.
Stay tuned as we continue sharing the voices of women contributing to the MASTER project and shaping the future of XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More and robotics.