On April 30, 2019, the FIU's College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts' (CARTA) has unveiled the Immersive Studios for Altered Reality (iSTAR) in partnership with Lee Caplin's iSTAR Enterprises. This facility will become operational at FIU's Biscayne Bay campus in a dedicated portion of Academic Center II, during the fall of 2019 to build the future leaders and innovators in the world of extended reality (XR). It will be designed, constructed and operated by the iSTAR Enterprises.

In collaboration with Observe Media, the iSTAR program will leverage advanced innovations in technology from all the industries to provide students with mentorship and hands-on internship opportunities across leading companies. Even in the upcoming months, this program will augment associations with other strategic partners and sponsors.

As per Goldman Sachs research, the growth in the AR/VR industry is projected to reach $95 billion by 2025. Brian Schriner, Dean, CARTA,

comments, "The future is now and XR is impacting every area of our lives from eSports to hospitality to architecture and further. iSTAR is an essential part of keeping our students ahead of the XR curve by providing the tools to lead in their industry with the innovation and global-facing focus we are known for as a university".

Travis Cloyd, Member - Producers Guild of America, XR Producer & adjunct professor, asserts,"XR is rapidly advancing and we are bringing the best of the best in to teach students not only how to build new technology, but become leaders of innovation and drive this sector forward".

The collective efforts of Schriner, Lee Caplin and Travis go behind the creation of iSTAR. Among these three eminent personalities, Lee stands as a long-time supporter of FIU and on the Dean's Advisory Board for CARTA. He has co-founded Penske Media Corporation, a leading digital media and information services company that owns and operates Variety Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine and many other reputed brands. Caplin was also felicitated for his work on Academy award (nominated) and Emmy winning content.

CARTA is extremely focused on enhancing the information, innovation and cultural economy of South Florida and beyond, by following a trans-disciplinary curriculum that empowers graduates both in terms of their career and leader-ship in preferred domains. It engages students with award-winning faculty in nationally ranked accredited programs in Miami, North Miami, Miami Beach and Wynwood.

Florida International University (FIU), a public research university located in Miami, outclasses among the Top 100 Public University, according to the U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges. The university strongly accentuates on student success and research excellence through its annual research expenditures accounting to nearly $200 million.