Last month, Microsoft announced it would be launching a program for more established businesses to develop commercial uses for Kinect for Windows.

Now, Microsoft, teaming up with TechStars, has launched Kinect Accelerator, a program for startups with ideas for commercial applications using Kinect's motion- and voice-sensing technologies.

Applicants, who must be prepared to relocate to Seattle, have until Jan. 25 to apply for one of 10 spots in a three-month incubation program running March to May 2012.

The 10 companies will each receive an investment of $20,000, an Xbox development kit, the Windows Kinect software development kit, office space, the resources of BizSpark (Microsoft's program to aid startups), technical training and support, and mentorship from entrepreneurs, investors and Microsoft executives, according to Microsoft's posting.

The program uses startup accelerator TechStars' mentoring method. According to the program rules, in exchange for the program and seed funding, TechStars will receive six percent equity in each of the companies chosen, in the form of common stock. Microsoft does not retain equity in the participating companies, nor does it retain intellectual property developed during the program.

By: DocMemory
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