SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Dec 8, 2011) - TokBox, the company behind the OpenTok video platform, today announced IncuBox, a competition giving student app developers the opportunity to receive dedicated tutorial and assistance bringing their app to market.
The team that submits the best app using OpenTok's online face-to-face technology will be invited to work out of TokBox's San Francisco headquarters for eight weeks. They will work closely with TokBox's elite development team, product managers, marketing team and other key players responsible for creating the OpenTok API from the ground up.
The Prize
The winning team will not only have the opportunity to work with the TokBox team, they will also receive:
- A firsthand look at how OpenTok works (including a sneak peak at undercover features!)
- A $2,500 living allowance per team member for up to two people
- Full ownership of any IP created
- Weekly meetings with the developer, product, marketing team members and more
- A killer launch party at the end of the IncuBox program
- A chance to pitch your app to VCs
Ian Small, TokBox CEO, commented: "We see so many great ideas from students, but some don't get the proper support from industry or mentors that they deserve. IncuBox is our way of reaching out to support these ideas and these developers and helping them create something real and sustainable."
"Students embrace face-to-face as the future of online communication -- both as users and as entrepreneurs -- and they have great imagination for how it can be used. The OpenTok platform makes it easy for anyone with an idea to simply add video, without needing the deep technical understanding, which has been a barrier for people in the past."
Harvard student Monica Liu discovered OpenTok at the Harvard Startup Weekend Scramble. 48 hours later her team had launched a new service called TownHall140, an online discussion forum incorporating Twitter and face-to-face discussion where questions and comments can be made in 140 characters or 140 seconds.
"I would urge anyone with an idea to submit for IncuBox; it could change your life. I had an idea to build a way for people to interact around issues that matter. Of course face-to-face is ideal for this, but I had no idea how to build it in, until I met Jonathon from TokBox. While the technology is really great, the real value comes from working with the really lovely team at TokBox who understand the challenges students face and are helping make my vision a reality," Ms. Liu said.
Application Process
TokBox will begin accepting applications for IncuBox on December 8, 2011 at 12:01 am PST. Applications should be sent to incubox@tokbox.com no later than February 24, 2012 at 11:59 pm PST. Applicants may include screenshots, screen-casts, mock-ups, links to live apps, demo videos, business plans, product roadmaps, or anything else to showcase the app. Applicants must show proof that they are a student in good standing at a 4-year college or university program. Undergraduates and graduate program students will be accepted.
TokBox will review all applications and select up to ten finalist teams by February 28, 2012 at 11:59 pm PST. TokBox will then conduct interviews with those ten finalist teams between February 28, 2012 and March 2, 2012. TokBox will notify the winning finalist team using the OpenTok API by March 5, 2012 by 5:00 pm PST. Upon confirmation of eligibility and participation, the finalist teams that weren't chosen will be notified no later than March 13, 2012 via email.
Eligibility
Students must 18 years of age or older as of January 1, 2012 and a legal resident of the United States. Students must also be in good academic standing enrolled in a 4-year college or university program at an undergraduate or graduate program. Student apps must integrate the OpenTok API. OpenTok plug-n-play product integrations will not qualify.
Full eligibility requirements can be accessed at www.tokbox.com/incubox
About TokBox
TokBox is a leading group web video communications provider. OpenTok, the company's flagship product, is a game-changing new platform that enables websites to facilitate live, group video conversations into their online experience. OpenTok targets businesses, developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a web presence. The platform harnesses the power of video like never before to drive user engagement in combination with the website's content. OpenTok-powered video conversations can be integrated into nearly any web activity or wrapped around a site's content. From shopping with friends to talking about a news story, TokBox is there to give you live, face-to-face contact on the web. The scalable, customizable platform incorporates quality-enhancing proprietary TokBox technology and accommodates up to 20 chat participants' live video with thousands watching. TokBox is privately headquartered in San Francisco, California with venture backing from Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, DAG Ventures, and Youniversity Ventures. For more information about TokBox, visit www.tokbox.com.
Contact Information:
For further enquiries, please contact:
TokBox Inc.
+1.650.390.7666