At Niantic, we believe in the power of creativity and the potential of immersive technology to transform the way we interact with the world around us. Our platform, Niantic 8th Wall, has been at the forefront of WebXR development, empowering developers and creators to build extraordinary augmented reality experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds. With our recent launch of Niantic Studio, our intuitive visual editor for WebXR and 3D content creation, we’ve made it easier than ever for developers to bring their ideas to life.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund, a new initiative designed to support and elevate the creative work of our developer community. This fund is our commitment to helping developers like you bring your innovative ideas to life, whether you're crafting complete WebXR games, experimenting with unique game mechanics, building experiences for the real world, or developing new modules that expand the capabilities of Niantic Studio.

What is the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund?
The Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund is a new initiative designed to reward developers who are not only pushing the boundaries of WebXR but also empowering others to do the same. This fund recognizes and supports those creating full experiences as well as those developing tools, modules, and guides that help nurture a vibrant ecosystem of creators. By offering incentives for a variety of projects, we aim to foster innovation and collaboration in the AR, VR, and 3D development space. 

What is the goal of the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund?

We recognize that innovation requires both time and support, and that’s why we’re launching the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund. Our goal is to reduce barriers, enabling you not only to focus on creating but also to empower others in the developer community to do the same. By participating in this fund, you’ll not only have the opportunity to earn from your work, but you’ll also play a crucial role in shaping the future of Niantic Studio, making it an even more powerful tool for developers everywhere.

A key focus of this initiative is to leverage the capabilities of Gaussian splats—highly detailed 3D models captured through the Niantic Scaniverse app. You can use Scaniverse right on your phone to capture, review, and edit splats, making it easy to create realistic 3D assets without specialized equipment or powerful computers.

This accessibility makes splats the ideal tool for:

• Game Development: Create immersive game environments that are photorealistic and grounded in the real world.
• Interactive Storytelling: Bring physical locations to life with splats that reflect the true textures and details of a place.
• Educational Experiences: Develop rich learning environments using splats of historical sites, natural landscapes, and more.

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund is your chance to be part of the next wave of innovation in immersive technology.

How can I participate in the Niantic Studio Developer Accelerator Fund?

To apply, developers must submit a detailed proposal outlining their project, including the scope of work, objectives, and how it leverages Niantic Studio. Applications will be reviewed by our team, and selections will be based on creativity, technical merit, and the potential impact on the broader developer community. The first-round application deadline is September 30th, and applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline on October 16th. 

Projects can include:

• Full WebXR or 3D Web Game: Development of a fully functional WebXR or 3D game using Niantic Studio.
• Niantic Studio Sample Projects: Develop a new game mechanic that is cloneable and has documentation.
• Niantic Studio Module: Develop a gaming-related module so that other developers can easily add elements to their existing projects.
• Enablement: Detailed guides, tutorials, or documentation to help others build with Niantic Studio.

Please note that this is the first cohort of the Developer Accelerator Fund, and we are eager to support a diverse range of projects. If you are not selected this time, don't be discouraged. This is just the beginning of an ongoing initiative to foster innovation and creativity within our community, and there will be future opportunities to participate.

Apply today to be a part of the Developer Accelerator Fund and the future of Niantic Studio! We look forward to seeing your ideas and helping you bring them to life with the power of Niantic Studio.