Build New, Innovative Lifestyle Experiences with Meta Horizon Start

Today we’re excited to announce an extension to our Meta Horizon Start program aimed at cultivating new lifestyle experiences on Meta Horizon OS. We’re calling all developers who are either already in Start or are interested in growing their expertise to apply for the opportunity to develop innovative and creative content across creative arts, social sports, music, and other lifestyle experiences.

Since its inception, Meta Horizon Start (formerly Oculus Start) has helped numerous intermediate and advanced developers build out their vision by providing essential mentorship, resources, community, and funding before launch. Now, we’re offering an opportunity to receive these same exclusive benefits to help you bring people’s favorite everyday hobbies and interests into VR, mixed reality, and 2D.

Submissions are open from October 17, 2024, through November 29, 2024. Keep reading below to learn how to apply and what you can build.

Mixed reality on Meta Horizon OS is opening up possibilities to enhance how people engage with their favorite activities, learn new skills, and interact with others. Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S are much more than gaming devices–they have the power to help people learn how to play a new instrument, play casual sports like pickleball with others in the comfort of their living room, express themselves by painting on a virtual canvas, and so much more.

With the Horizon Start lifestyle track, we want to help you foster these kinds of experiences and redefine the role Meta Quest devices can play in people’s lives. When you apply, you’ll be able to submit one of the following types of experiences:

No matter what type of experience you decide to build, you can think about your end goal through the lens of being at the intersection of learning, fun, and creativity. This can include creating social immersive experiences, interactive learning apps, non-traditional partner sports, arts and crafts, and other apps that enhance activities that people already love and enable them to connect with others over shared interests.

All developers who are accepted to the Horizon Start lifestyle track must be a part of the Start program. If you’re not already in the Start program, you will need to apply first, and if accepted, you will be granted access to application materials. This program track is tailored for developers who are interested in growing their expertise in a new vertical to create experiences outside of gaming—including teen, young adult, and adult developers.

When you apply, you will be asked to pitch your idea. As you’re putting together your pitch, be sure to include the following details:

Applicants who are selected to participate in this program will be identified by January 2025, with the goal of beginning work in early 2025.

If you’re already a part of Start, check out the Discord channel for a post with application details & questionnaire that you can fill out to get started with the submission process by email. If you are not yet a part of Start, you can apply and signal that you would like to apply to the lifestyle RFP so your application can be reviewed and expedited. All applicants must adhere to Meta’s Content Guidelines and the Code of Conduct for Virtual Experiences.

We can’t wait to see what ideas you want to bring to life on Meta Horizon OS.