ASU’s Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, in collaboration with Canon U.S.A., Inc., have opened applications for the Canon Volumetric Innovation Challenge, a competitive seed-grant program designed to accelerate cutting-edge research in spatial storytelling, immersive media, and volumetric imaging.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, Canon’s prototype small-format volumetric capture system—featuring 20 synchronized cameras and AI-enabled Gaussian splatting—is installed at the MIX Center and available to awarded project teams. Researchers are invited to propose innovative applications of this technology across a wide range of fields, including immersive storytelling, healthcare and medical training, sports performance, virtual production, gaming, digital humanities, education, industrial design, and other sectors where high-fidelity 3D motion capture may unlock new opportunities.
Award amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000, with up to three projects selected. In addition to funding, awardees receive supported access to the volumetric system, assistance from trained Volumetric Innovation Fellows, and use of Canon’s COLLAV collaboration software. Projects are expected to develop proof-of-concepts that lay the groundwork for future sponsored research or commercialization. Eligibility is open to all ASU affiliates, but every proposal must include a Herberger Institute faculty or curatorial-staff member as PI, Co-PI, or Co-Investigator. Student-led projects are eligible only with a Herberger Institute faculty PI. External collaborators may participate but may receive funds only for travel or honoraria.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. MST on Thursday, February 5, 2026. All materials must be submitted via InfoReady Review; late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Award announcements are anticipated by March 6, 2026, with projects beginning no earlier than March 9, 2026.
Researchers interested in shaping the future of volumetric media, spatial technologies, and immersive applications are encouraged to apply.
