The announcement of the Meta Quest Lifestyle app accelerator marks a significant opportunity for XR developers seeking to establish themselves in the extended reality landscape. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the growing adoption of XR in the enterprise sector, there has never been a more opportune time to partake in XR development.
On the 18th of June 2024, Meta declared the launch of the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator programme, which offers financial backing to developers interested in crafting apps for the Quest ecosystem. Alongside financial support, programme participants will benefit from access to product resources and mentorship from both VC partners and the Meta team.
The primary objective of the programme is to foster innovation in the extended reality market and propel the creation of new experiences for the Quest ecosystem. To accomplish this, selected participants will receive grant funding across three “paid milestones” over a six-month period, enabling them to prototype concepts with a small team. Additionally, developers will have access to various forms of support, including mentorship, coaching, and access to peer learning opportunities.
An inquiry may arise as to why the programme’s focus is specifically on “lifestyle” experiences. Meta has stressed that they aim to demonstrate the benefits of mixed reality beyond merely gaming. Their desire is for individuals from all sectors of society to partake in unique fashion, DIY, arts and crafts, and other experiences within the extended reality realm.
Regarding the types of apps the programme supports, developers are encouraged to explore various lifestyle categories, such as fashion, DIY, design, music, cooking, and arts and crafts. The objective is for these apps to harness mixed reality, AI, and hand tracking to offer users immersive and engaging experiences.
There are, naturally, certain limitations to consider when applying for the programme. Meta has stipulated that they are not seeking B2B apps targeting professionals or those centred on education, marketing, fitness, wellness, sports, or video games. Regardless of these limitations, the programme presents a distinctive opportunity for developers to unleash their creativity and develop new and thrilling experiences within the extended reality realm.
For those considering applying for the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator programme, it is important to note that all submissions must be made by the 15th of October 2024. In order to be eligible, at least one member of your development team must possess a technical background and a year of experience in developing with Unreal Engine and Unity.
Ultimately, the launch of the Meta Quest Lifestyle App Accelerator programme underscores Meta’s dedication to expanding the adoption of extended reality and empowering developer creativity. For XR developers, this presents an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the metaverse’s evolution. If you are considering creating something new for the metaverse, now is the time to apply. Best of luck!