New Works Incubator
The Immersive Media Design (IMD) New Works Incubator is a nine-week summer development program designed to support the creation of immersive media projects by students from across the University of Maryland (UMD) campus.
The incubator enables student creators to explore new areas of immersive media and create works based on their own interests and initiatives.
Each year, the incubator culminates in a public showcase of student work as part of NextNow Fest.
Applications for New Works Incubator 2026 open in March!
About
The Immersive Media Design New Works Incubator launched in the summer of 2021 to give students across the University of Maryland campus the opportunity to create and present original works of immersive media. The program has supported the development of over 50 student-led projects spanning augmented and virtual reality, interactive projection design, physical computing, spatial audio, interactive sculpture, and more.
The program's structure balances self-directed learning with specialized support and accountability.
Workshops: Two weeks of workshops cover a range of immersive media topics, including design thinking and technical training on key software.
Design: Students develop and refine project ideas through peer collaboration and mentor feedback. Projects may be brand new or based on pre-existing projects started in classes or other programs.
Prototype: Students build and share a prototype of their project for feedback from mentors and peers. Prototypes can test a specific aspect of a project, like an animation sequence or interaction mechanic, or they might test larger aspects of a project, like the narrative journey.
Demo Day: The incubator culminates with a Demo Day. Invited guests and staff from the Clarice Performing Arts Center join students and mentors to experience the projects created over the course of the incubator.
NextNOW Fest: Completed incubator projects are featured in NextNOW Fest, a campus-wide arts and technology festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m not an IMD major, am I eligible for the New Works Incubator?
A: Yes! The program is open to all UMD students.
Q: Can I apply with a team?
A: Yes! Please include all students who will be a part of the team on your application.
Q: I’ve never made a work of immersive media before, but I’m interested in creating something, should I apply?
A: Yes! Whether you want to expand on a project you started previously or explore a new idea, the New Works Incubator is set up to support your process as a creator. Whether your goal is to experiment with a new software platform or polish a pre-existing project for public presentation, the Incubator will give you the space and structure to make it happen.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The program is free to attend.
Q: Is there funding available to create my project?
A: Yes. There will be a limited amount of funds available to pay for project materials and equipment for works that will be presented as part of NextNOW Fest.
Q: Where will the program take place?
A: Activities will take place in the IMD labs and classrooms in A.V. Williams.
Q: I have more questions. How can I get more information?
A: Contact NWI Program Manager, Jonathan David Martin: martinjd@umd.edu
Program Managers
