HTC has heavily invested in to developers wanting to create new technology and content for virtual reality through an accelerator program called VIVE X. As a matter of fact, HTC has invested $100 million towards this program. They look to continue the funding with a second round of submissions for VIVE X.
“VIVE X has quickly ramped up to be a global leader in accelerating early stage VR companies,” said Marc Metis, VP at HTC Vive and global head of the VIVE X program. “We are looking forward to serving the next round of innovative companies that can make a difference in the space.”
The VIVE X program is intended to fund the right ideas for growth in VR and also provide the candidates with the opportunity to work at VIVE X locations around the world where they’ll get special access to advanced VR technology and mentorship. They’ll also have the opportunity to network with VR experts who have tremendous insights to the industry and technology. As companies progress through the program, they can participate in VIVE X demo days where they have an opportunity to showcase their products to investors and additional partners, and begin developing their go-to-market solutions.
VIVE X launched in August of this year in four cities – Taipei, San Francisco, Beijing and Shenzhen – and is now accepting applicants for these locations. The program will continue to grow globally including the addition of locations in Europe coming soon.
Testimonials for the VIVE X program
“Becoming a part of the HTC VIVE X program has been a transformative experience for ObEN,” said Nikhil Jain, co-founder and chief executive officer at ObEN. “The network, knowledge and resources the program provides has enabled our company to accelerate our progress on a number of crucial fronts, especially product development. ObEN is proud to partner with HTC as we work to bring our unique AI-based VR technology to the world.”
“Through VIVE X, we were able to gain insights into the industry and form key relationships that would not have been possible otherwise. It has been an incredibly valuable resource for us,” said Norman Wang, Co-founder and CEO, Opaque Studios, an award-winning creator of VR apps for entertainment as well as scientific and medical use.
“To be able to join VIVE X and get connected with the technical team that made this possible, key company executives that are singularly focused on VR, and other developers at the forefront of this technology has been a dream come true,” said Arthur Goikhman, CEO of SurrealVR, a creator of virtual reality games inspired by social experiences.
“We are delighted with the support that the HTC team has given us during our time here in the VIVE X program,” said Lee Jacobson, CEO of Apmetrix. “With their help we are really breaking new ground in spatial and emotion based analytics for content creators.”
The second deadline for submissions for VIVE X ends on Dec. 1, 2016.