HoloLens and augmented reality is an incredibly new field with so much potential waiting to be unlocked, and Microsoft will be looking to Colleges, Universities, and Research Institutions to reach its potential.

The tech juggernaut is offering $100,000 grants to students for them to explore potential applications and other general ways the platform could be utilized. Currently five grants are available — each offering two HoloLens developer kits

The posting on the Microsoft Research site details six specific topics to be expanded and explored for the people chosen for the grant.

Data visualization Example: Using mixed reality to make large data sets easier to navigate and understand

Evolution of pedagogy in STEM, medical, and design education Example: Using existing 3D assets or new 3D assets for high-value training (e.g., interactive 3D models for medical training)

Future of communication and distributed collaboration Examples: Remote training and support, first-responder emergency management, and virtual conferences

Interactive art and experimental media Examples: Narrative storytelling, new forms of artistic expression, interactive journalism

Psychology-related topics Examples: Human perception and human-computer interaction

Solving difficult problems and contributing new insights that are specific to the applicant’s field

Those involved with the project will be offered two workshops to work directly with the development team in Redmond, Washington. Regular calls and updates between both the researchers and the development team will continue as well.

While none of the subjects for these grants are involved directly with gaming, the experiments that will ensue will be vital to the general appeal of the product in a mass market.

Showing the potential of the system in a variety of formats can help HoloLens’ popularity grow and give it much greater odds from becoming more closely integrated with the Xbox One system.

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