Tech Desk 
Jan 24, 2025
Snap revealed on Thursday that it is introducing a new “Challenge Tags” rewards programme for AR developers to win cash prizes for submitting Lenses. Moreover, the company unveiled that it’s launching educational pricing and a student discount for Spectacles, its developer-focused augmented reality (AR) glasses.
The developer of the first-place Lens will win $2,500, while the second and third-place will get $1,500 and $1,000. Twenty honourable mentions will get $250.
If any developer is seeking to participate, he needs to register for each challenge, build a Lens in Snap’s Lens Studio, and apply the Challenge Tag in the publishing process to be considered. Notably, Snap will announce new challenges each month.
Lenses submitted for a prize will be judged on originality, technical excellence, and theme focus. AR developers from more than 100 countries globally can participate. It is all due to Snap’s new partnership with AR marketing platform Lenslist.
Snap’s new programme fee
As for the new educational pricing and student discount for Spectacles, students, teachers, and staff from colleges and universities will be able to access a pair for a subscription fee of $49.50 or €55 a month. The standard subscription fee is $99 per month.
The educational pricing and student discount are accessible in all countries where Spectacles is available, including the US, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands.
Snap is largely considered a leader in AR and is the company that popularised AR filters and lenses through its platform.
