We’re excited to announce our summer developer challenge, the “Explore Together: Location-Based AR Challenge”. For the first time, Lightship and 8th Wall communities will come together, pushing the limits of what can be achieved with AR. This challenge, running from May 6th to June 24th, calls on you to leverage Visual Positioning System (VPS) technology to create innovative, location-based AR experiences that bring real-world locations to life.
VPS connects the real world with the digital one by anchoring AR content to locations with unprecedented accuracy and precision. This enables location-based augmented reality experiences that feel more personal and gives users new reasons to explore the world around them.
Prizes Totaling $15,000 💰
Two Communities means double the prizes! For this challenge, we’re offering a total of 14 prizes for a combined pool of $15,000, with two grand prizes awarded for the best Lightship and 8th Wall submissions.
Prizes include:
Two Grand Prizes of $2,500 each for the best 8th Wall and Lightship submissions that nail the challenge theme and criteria.
Two Global Explorer Prizes of $1,000 each for enriching our view of the world through immersive storytelling.
Two Champion of Fitness and Sport Prizes of $1,000 each for the best AR simulations of sports or outdoor activities.
Two Community Catalyst Prizes of $1,000 each for turning public spaces into hubs of social interaction with AR.
Two Nature Navigator Prizes of $1,000 each for the best use of AR for environmental exploration and education.
Four Honorable Mention Prizes of $500 each for notable submissions that impress our judges.
Judging Criteria ⚖️
We’re thrilled to review all the innovative projects submitted, but to guide our evaluation, we’ll focus on the following four key criteria. These standards help us identify truly standout entries that align with our goals and values:
- VPS Usage: How creatively and effectively does the project use Visual Positioning System (VPS) technology to craft immersive location-based experiences? We’ll evaluate the sophistication and integration of VPS in enabling users to interact meaningfully with their surroundings.
- Innovation: Does the project introduce new and fresh ideas using the features available in Lightship or 8th Wall? We’re looking for groundbreaking uses of AR technology that push the boundaries of what’s possible, offering users unique and memorable interactions.
- Niantic Mission: How well does the project align with Niantic’s core values? We value applications that encourage exploration, foster real-world social connections, and enhance the communal experience of discovering the world.
- Completeness: Is the submission a mere technological proof of concept, or does it provide a polished, fully-formed experience? We assess the stability, user interface, and overall usability of the project to determine if it’s ready for real-world application.
Let’s Kick Things Off! 🚀
Our adventure begins with the Info + Ideation event on May 7th, where participants can gather insights and spark their creativity in a collaborative atmosphere. Following this event, the Niantic AR Workshop will provide a hands-on experience on how to use VPS for WebAR and Unity apps, empowering developers to build compelling AR experiences with practical skills. Lastly, don’t miss our AR Voices session, where industry leaders will share their experiences and insights on using VPS in AR projects.
Ready to make your mark on the AR world? Sign up now and start creating experiences that invite users to explore and connect like never before!
