Dark Kak is a Bangladeshi Tech Startup working for AR/VR/IoT Technologies for Developing Bangladeshi Marketplaces. 

Dark Kak: Tech Transforming Tangible Possibilities

Practice makes a man perfect. But what if the thing you are trying to do perfectly is not available to practise? What makes perfect then?  In recent years, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies have emerged as powerful solutions to address real-life challenges, particularly the lack of readily available equipment and resources, providing a platform in the virtual field to explore and learn more. These technologies are revolutionising how we interact with our surroundings by creating immersive digital environments that can showcase every available piece of equipment nearby. Imagine a space where you can learn, market, and showcase your products seamlessly, all while trying out items in a virtual context escaping the hazards of real world equipment. This unique approach not only enhances education and product demonstration potential but also connects with a broader audience, making it easier to share knowledge and engage the masses.

Founded in 2024, Dark Kak has positioned itself at the forefront of this technological wave. The company was created with the vision of harnessing AI, AR, VR, and IoT for societal benefit. The journey of Dark Kak began with a broad vision that was later refined as the founders immersed themselves in their passion.

 “One ordinary morning, we noticed in our socials, a series of videos among the usual notifications caught our attention. They featured children from a school in a slum of Dhaka city, conducted by Platform of Community Action and Architecture (POCAA), enthusiastically performing good deeds. These young students participated in a challenge they had picked up from our AR challenge shared on social media. This challenge, named “Kind New World,” utilised an AR filter that randomly assigned tasks like “Help a Stranger Today,” “Plant a Tree,” “Make a New Friend Today,” or “Help Clean Your Classroom.” Initially conceived as a fun and seemingly unnoticed AR filter, it suddenly transformed into a powerful tool showcasing the profound impact augmented reality (AR) could have in education.” stated by Nourin Haque Ridi, Founder of DarkKak reflecting on the unexpected reach of the initiative.

The unforeseen response from the students highlighted the potential of AR in educational settings, particularly in underprivileged areas. Inspired by the AR game “Kind New World,” Darkkak decided to delve deeper. This experience with the AR filter led to a significant project later that year: a virtual exhibition of paintings created by students from Pawmang Non-Government Primary School, located in a remote area of the hilly tracts of Bandarban, Bangladesh. The school's infrastructure was minimal, with only a shed serving as a classroom, and electricity was not available. This exhibition aimed to raise funds for the school's infrastructure and hostel by selling the paintings from the virtual exhibition. The overwhelming support and successful fundraising, which exceeded  expectations, reaffirmed the belief in the power of immersive technology to make a difference.

However, Bangladesh's reality posed a challenge, the lack of access to VR headsets and smartphones capable of running AR apps. This limitation fueled the determination to find an innovative solution accessible and convenient for students and teachers alike. Through that quest, the venture conceptualised the AR Mirror for learning. This innovative tool transforms any display, especially kiosks, into interactive platforms for educational AR content. With the AR Mirror, children can engage with educational material in a fun and gamified manner, using their hands, bodies, or faces to interact with the content. Imagine learning about the anatomy of the human body while standing in front of a digital mirror that shows the details of your bones and blood vessels with educational tags or learning about astronomy and the universe through an AR game on the mirror while enjoying them with your friends. This not only makes learning enjoyable but also fosters collective engagement, as other students and teachers can join in and learn together, promoting inclusivity and accessibility .

Thinking Inside the Blue Ocean
Dark Kak’s unique selling point lies in its ability to craft innovative, customized packages that drive business growth through immersive technologies. While initially focused on education, the company has expanded its expertise to provide creative solutions across various industries. By leveraging augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), Dark Kak helps businesses thrive with limited resources, offering cutting-edge approaches like virtual shopping, virtual try-ons, and interactive marketing experiences.

For instance, Dark Kak established a significant partnership with Grameen Danone, where it provided a comprehensive AR/VR package for its events, showcasing how these technologies can enhance brand engagement and customer interaction. Unlike traditional marketing tools that are often limited to one-time use, Dark Kak’s solutions are designed for repeated application, allowing clients to maximize their investments over time.

In addition to virtual marketing innovations, Dark Kak is revolutionizing business growth through solutions like AR-driven product demos, virtual showrooms, and immersive branding experiences. These tools empower businesses to engage their audience in ways that traditional marketing simply cannot, all while operating within limited budgets. Collaborations with Indian companies for events like Fashion Week and partnerships with U.S.-based enterprises further illustrate Dark Kak’s commitment to transforming industries and proving that immersive technology can deliver tangible, long-term results for businesses.

Vision for Technological Advancement

Dark Kak envisions a future where immersive technology is not just a service but a driving force for community growth and innovation. Our goal is to democratise access to AR/VR solutions, empowering businesses and individuals alike to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By fostering a tech-driven ecosystem, we aim to equip Bangladeshis with the tools and knowledge needed to compete globally. Our vision is to ensure that businesses, from local startups to major enterprises, can leverage these technologies to unlock new possibilities, accelerate growth, and build a future where no one is left behind.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Md. Nazmul Islam Nishad and Shababa Binte Hossain, who co-founded Dark Kak, are driven by a shared love of technology and a desire to have a significant effect on their community. Their mission was to use trailblazing technologies to solve practical problems in a variety of industries from the outset of their journey.

As a robotics enthusiast, Nazmul thinks everyone should have access to and benefit from technology. "Our goal at Dark Kak was to develop solutions that are relevant to everyday problems," he says. Our goal is to improve marketing, fashion, and educational experiences by utilizing AR and IoT. In the classroom, we turn instruction into dynamic, interesting experiences. Virtual try-ons have revolutionized customer interactions in the fashion industry, while audience-capturing brand engagement tactics have revolutionized marketing.

Shababa, with her expertise in electrical engineering and IoT, focuses on enhancing functionality and security.“By improving marketing strategies and increasing product utility, we create solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Our smart jewellery, for example, combines fashion with security features. It’s about making technology serve us in meaningful ways.”  “We see immense potential in merging AR with various industries, providing every individual a virtual world of their own to explore and learn more, what is seemingly inaccessible in the real world,” she shares. 

Source - Dark Kak