Microsoft offers $100,000 research grants to get HoloLens applications built

Offer only applies to US residents, however...

After unveiling the HoloLens virtual reality device in May, Microsoft has now devised a programme to persuade researchers and developers to write new applications for the augmented reality headset.

The programme calls for proposals from researchers that Microsoft would fund with a total of $500,000 of grants - $100,000 for each one of five selected proposals, as well as two Microsoft HoloLens development kits each.

The programme is expected to attract interest from academics. "The primary goal of this request for proposals (RFP) is to better understand the role and possible applications for holographic computing in society. Additional goals are to stimulate and advance academic research in mixed reality and encourage applications of holograms for novel purposes," advises Microsoft.

Particular areas of interest include data visualisation, using 3D imaging in medical and design education, communications and collaboration, interactive art, and "psychology-related topics".

"The awards are intended to be used for seed-funding larger initiatives, proofs of concept, or demonstrations of feasibility," it continues, adding that the funding is only intended for one year. Microsoft will encourage applicants to line-up co-funding to continue developments. It is also only open to applicants in the US.

"We've issued this RFP to inspire the academic community to investigate the potential roles and applications for holographic computing in society. Additionally, we want to stimulate and advance academic research in mixed reality and encourage exploration of new possibilities in holographic computing," wrote Jeannette Wing, a vice president at Microsoft Research.

She continued: "We expect that researchers will envision novel ways of using HoloLens - from interactively teaching students, to creating mixed-realty art installations, to manipulating holographic data to reveal new relationships... to who knows what."

The HoloLens is "powered by Windows 10", which is due to be formally launched on 29 July.

For more details about the programme, email Microsoft: [email protected]