René Schulte is a globally recognized expert in emerging technologies, with a focus on Physical AI, Generative AI, Spatial Computing (XR/AR/VR/MR), and Digital Humans. He leads the Communities of Practice at Reply, advising clients and driving innovation across global teams.

A creative developer and thought leader with 20+ years of deep technical expertise, he specializes in Spatial Computing, Real-Time 3D, Industrial Metaverse, Embodied AI, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and Agentic AI. His passion for UX drives breakthrough solutions at the intersection of emerging technologies.

Featured on Forbes and invited as expert to global TV stations and a keynote speaker and panelist at premier conferences including Siggraph, //build, Ignite, Global XR, Univ. Heidelberg, Unite, Vision VR/AR Summit, VRDC (GDC), AWE, ESA, RTC, VRARA, MR Dev Days and more. He creates content through his podcasts Digital Dialogs, QuBites, and Meta Minutes while maintaining his open-source libraries like WriteableBitmapEx.

Honored for 16 consecutive years as a Microsoft MVP, currently a double awardee in Azure AI Platform, René is also a Microsoft Regional Director and advisory board member for the VR/AR Association and XR Bootcamp.

An avid cyclist, he lives in Dresden, Germany with his wife and their five children.