HTC VIVE X launched to accelerate VR universe

This morning the folks at HTC have launched Vive X, a program which will invest $100-million, expertise, and mentorship for VR developers around the world. This program will be targeted at start-up groups, primarily, and will aim to not only cultivate the VR development environment, but foster it as well. "We are very excited." said Cher Wang, Chairwoman and CEO of HTC, "about gathering the brightest and the most creative minds to join Vive X."

"Virtual reality is changing the world, yet to do that effectively it needs a healthy eco-system to expand into the mass market," said HTC CEO Cher Wang. "Through HTC Vive, we look forward to enabling global talent to create interesting and compelling content and to help shape the future of this industry."

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According to HTC, they're aiming at companies from ANY industry that are "creating content, tools, applications and accessories that enrich the VR ecosystem and end-user experience."

Three cities will be part of the pilot program: Beijing, Taipei and San Francisco.

Vive X is said to offer start-up groups a base in these cities "for an initial growth period." During that period, HTC will provide "access to funding, leading VR know-how, hands-on coaching, and office space."

Vive X will begin a Beijing-based pilot program in May of 2016 – not too far away from now. There selected start-up groups from around Asia will find invites to apply for the program. If accepted, each participating group will receive a cash investment in return for a small amount of equity.

That's something you'll want to pay attention to especially if you plan on working with HTC, of course: "in return for a small amount of equity" could be the dealmaker or breaker when you look into attempting to join this program.

The home of this program will be HTCVive.com/US/VIVEX/ – have a tap at it if you're a developer or group that's involved in the next big thing in Virtual Reality.