Cesium Ecosystem Grants for Everyone
Cesium Ecosystem Grants promote innovation, interoperability, education, and collaboration in the 3D geospatial ecosystem through non-dilutive financial support. Grants are open to early stage startups, educators, innovators, and students that are ready to grow the ecosystem through Cesium’s core values of Collaboration, Innovation, Customer Focus, and Continuous Learning.
What are Cesium Ecosystem Grants?
Cesium Ecosystem Grants are a commitment from Cesium to support and diversify its ecosystem.
Financial grants will be given to individuals and organizations that submit noteworthy ideas aligned with Cesium’s core values of Collaboration, Innovation, Customer Focus, and Continuous Learning. Applicants should describe how they are addressing a relevant need or opportunity in 3D geospatial and the resulting impact of their contribution.
Awards are unrestricted grants of $5,000 – $50,000. Individuals will not be eligible for more than $15,000.
What are MicroGrants?
Cesium MicroGrants are a commitment from Cesium to support and diversify its Cesium Certified Developer program through targeted support of students and educators.
Awards are grants of $800 USD to students and educators who complete the Cesium Certified Developer program within two months. More information on Certified Developers and Microgrants here.
Who should apply?
Grants are for anyone—regardless of demographic, institution, or industry—with a goal to advance 3D geospatial in a collaborative and open ecosystem.
Key submission topics for Ecosystem Grants include, but are not limited to:
What stage does my project/program need to be in?
Anywhere from ideation to in process.
What criteria do you use to select grant recipients?
Can I talk to someone about my idea/application?
We will hold periodic webinars, but due to the volume of applications we cannot answer individual pre-application questions at this time. Once your application has been received,
we may reach out with clarifying questions. Contact [email protected] with issues.
I’ve submitted my application. What’s next?
Applications will be reviewed by an internal committee on a rolling basis. Depending on when you apply, it will take about 60 days for you to hear back from us on your application status. We will follow up with questions, clarifications, or modifications if needed.
If my project is chosen to receive a grant, when do I get my grant money?
You will submit a timeline with your application including deliverables.
In most cases, grant money will be distributed 50% at grant start and 50% when it is agreed you have hit your deliverables.
If I become a grant recipient are there any additional benefits that come with that?
Yes, the goal of Cesium Ecosystem Grants is to fully welcome you into the ecosystem. Our relationship will last beyond the last payment. Grantees may be featured on the Cesium website and will receive a badge to use on their online presence. Opportunities for continued engagement with Cesium include access to the Cesium team, joint communications, and joint business development.
Why was my application denied?
Cesium reserves the right to reject an application for any reason.
Hard grant restrictions are United States sanctioned entities (found here) and applicants under the age of 18.
Does a project need to be open source to receive grant funding?
Open and interoperable is at the heart of Cesium, so that is preferred but not required.
Does Cesium own grant funded IP?
No. You retain IP and ownership over your work.
How often can I apply for funding?
If you have an open grant, you must wait until your grant is complete before reapplying. Denied applicants are asked to not reapply unless they have a significantly different application. Please note, a denied application will not negatively impact future consideration.
Is my non-Cesium project eligible?
Yes, grants are meant to positively impact the 3D geospatial ecosystem.
Will you fund academic research?
If it’s aligned to the what and the why of Cesium Ecosystem Grants, yes, we will.
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; Cesium Ecosystem Grants for Everyone