HTC Vive pledges $10m to VR projects that “create positive impact and change”
Platform holder will support developers working on virtual reality games designed to raise awareness of poverty, famine, gender equality and more
The company behind HTC Vive is setting up a new program to fund VR projects centred around improving lives around the world - with $10m to be shared among the successful applicants.
Announced at the World Economic Forum, the VR For Impact initiative will shared the same objectives as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 platform, Upload VR reports. These goals include no poverty, zero hunger, quality education and gender equality.
Vive is looking for experiences that will "improve awareness, education and lead to action", whether that's through virtual reality games, films or other cotnent.
"HTC Vive will fund the best ideas using Virtual Reality that truly drive awareness and positive change in our world," said Cher Wang, the company's CEO and chairwoman. "We encourage all players in the VR eco-system to join as only together can we drive real impact."
Vive is now calling for ideas that could become part of VR For Impact, with plans to announce the chosen projects on April 22nd, Earth Day. Developers can apply at www.vr4impact.com. The initiative has already gained the interest of other organisations, such as the World Food Progam.
The power of virtual reality to immerse users in someone else's story or situation is a major driver for the technology, and exploring the medium's abilities to convey some of the world's biggest crises to more people can only be a good thing.