Agog has launched a new Climate Futures + Immersive Media Open Call, committing up to $1 million in grants for XR, AR, mixed reality, and immersive climate storytelling projects. Applications close on 12 June 2026.
Introduction
A new global funding opportunity is creating excitement across the climate, technology, and creative industries as Agog officially launches its Climate Futures + Immersive Media Open Call. The initiative will distribute up to $1 million in grant funding to innovators, artists, technologists, researchers, nonprofits, creative studios, and mission-driven organizations using immersive media to address climate realities and inspire public action.
The programme aims to support bold projects that combine climate storytelling with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), smart glasses, spatial sound, and extended reality (XR). Grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 will be awarded to selected projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to climate engagement, public participation, and future-focused storytelling.
Applications officially opened on 12 May 2026 and will close on 12 June 2026, giving creators and organizations a limited window to submit proposals.
Agog Seeks to Reimagine Climate Engagement Through Immersive Media
The Climate Futures + Immersive Media Open Call reflects growing interest in using technology-driven experiences to help people better understand climate change and imagine alternative futures.
According to Agog, the initiative is focused on supporting projects that go beyond traditional communication methods by creating immersive experiences that encourage emotional connection, public participation, and collective action.
The organisation believes immersive technologies can help people engage more deeply with environmental challenges by making climate realities feel more immediate, personal, and experiential.
Rather than relying solely on written reports or conventional media formats, immersive storytelling allows audiences to interact with ideas, environments, and future possibilities in more engaging ways.
Funding Available for Early-Stage and Advanced Projects
One of the most notable aspects of the programme is its openness to projects at different stages of development.
Agog has confirmed that both early-stage concepts and more developed projects are eligible for funding consideration. The organisation stated that the most important evaluation criteria include:
- A compelling story or experience
- Clear project purpose
- Strong vision and execution strategy
- Meaningful climate engagement
- Creative use of immersive technologies
This approach makes the programme accessible not only to experienced XR creators but also to mission-driven organisations exploring immersive media for the first time.
Areas of Focus for the Open Call
Agog has outlined several key themes and areas of interest for applicants.
Climate Storytelling and Civic Participation
The organisation is looking for immersive projects that help communities emotionally and physically engage with climate realities. This includes experiences that inspire civic participation, public dialogue, activism, and collective action.
Place-based storytelling and community-centered digital experiences are particularly encouraged.
Community Power and Climate Resilience
Another major focus area involves tools that support frontline communities before, during, and after climate disasters.
Projects may include systems that improve access to real-time information, community coordination, disaster preparedness, and local decision-making capacity.
Access, Equity, and Climate Justice
Agog is also prioritising proposals that center historically marginalized and climate-affected communities.
This includes projects exploring:
- Community-led climate leadership
- Environmental justice
- Landback movements
- Sovereignty and repair
- Equity-focused sustainability initiatives
The organisation has emphasised the importance of ensuring immersive technologies support inclusive participation and social impact.
Planetary Connection and Climate Anxiety
The open call also welcomes experiences designed to strengthen emotional connection to the natural world.
As climate anxiety continues to affect many people globally, immersive tools that encourage reflection, healing, and ecological awareness are seen as increasingly valuable.
Future-Building and Imagination
Agog believes immersive media can help society imagine alternative futures and more sustainable ways of living.
As a result, the organisation is encouraging visionary projects that explore future cities, communities, ecosystems, and human relationships shaped by sustainability and cooperation.
Immersive Technologies Supported by the Programme
The programme broadly defines immersive media to include technologies and experiences such as:
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Mixed Reality (MR)
- Smart glasses experiences
- Spatial audio and sound environments
- Interactive digital storytelling
- Immersive participatory experiences
Agog has also indicated that projects using artificial intelligence may be considered where appropriate.
The organisation is particularly interested in innovative ideas that expand how climate participation and public engagement can be experienced through technology.
Who Can Apply?
The open call welcomes applications from:
- XR creators
- Artists and creative technologists
- Nonprofit organisations
- Researchers
- Studios and creative teams
- Community organisers
- Climate-focused organisations
Importantly, applicants do not need to be experienced XR developers to apply. Agog has specifically encouraged mission-driven organisations with strong climate experience to explore how immersive media could expand their impact.
However, all applications must be submitted through a US-based registered entity, such as:
- A nonprofit organisation
- A company
- A fiscal sponsor
International collaborators are allowed, although applications must ultimately be connected to a US-based entity.
Additional Support Beyond Funding
In addition to financial support, selected projects may receive:
- Mentorship opportunities
- Advisor support
- Partnership opportunities
- Distribution assistance
This additional support could help projects scale their impact and connect with wider audiences across climate, technology, and creative sectors.
Industry Experts Join Review Committee
Agog has assembled a review committee featuring recognised leaders in climate communication, immersive media, and environmental justice.
The committee includes:
- Myriam Achard
- Jerome Foster II
- Anthony Leiserowitz
- Jacqueline Patterson
Their involvement highlights the programme’s focus on both technological innovation and meaningful climate impact.
Important Dates for Applicants
Applicants interested in the programme should note the following key deadlines:
- Applications Opened: 12 May 2026
- Applications Close: 12 June 2026 at 23:59 PT
- Final Decisions Announced: By Fall 2026
Agog has also scheduled online information sessions to help applicants better understand the programme and eligibility requirements.
Climate Innovation Meets Creative Technology
The Agog Climate Futures + Immersive Media Open Call reflects a growing movement toward using immersive technology for social impact, environmental awareness, and civic engagement.
As climate challenges continue to intensify globally, organisations are increasingly looking for new ways to connect people emotionally and intellectually to sustainability issues. Immersive experiences are emerging as powerful tools capable of transforming how audiences understand environmental crises and imagine collective futures.
By combining technology, creativity, and climate action, Agog’s initiative offers creators and organisations an opportunity to shape new forms of public participation while contributing to conversations about resilience, sustainability, and the future of the planet.
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