Unity Global Graduate Fellowship Program

The 2017 Global Graduate Fellowship Program aims at identifying and supporting graduate researchers working on cutting edge research, and specific research challenges, that we have identified as required to advancing the next generation 3D interactive entertainment content authoring.

We've identified deep learning as one of the research areas that is changing the game development content authoring pipelines. Unity's next generation of content creation tools and workflows incorporate machine learning to improve the Unity editor usability, and developer/ artist game development workflow(s).

We are soliciting applications from individual graduate researchers interested to address these next generation research challenges in reinforcement learning and deep learning generative nets for games.

In evaluating each application, the selection committee weighs three factors:

  • The sample demo/ project submitted
  • The student’s experience
  • The extent the fellowship will contribute to advancing their research or career in games

Award details

  • $30,000 grant for 6 months
  • Visit SF headquarters to present your research

To apply to this fellowship, please complete the form below:

Eligibility:

  • Are there any age restrictions on participating?
    Yes. You must be 18 years of age or older by June 26, 2017 to be eligible to participate in the 2017 Unity Global Graduate Fellowship Program.
  • Are there citizenship requirements for the Fellowship?
    You must be eligible and authorized to work in the country of your fellowship. Unity cannot provide guidance or assistance on obtaining the necessary documentation to meet this criteria.
  • Who is eligible to participate as a student in Unity Fellowship program?
    In order to participate in the program, you must be a student. Unity defines a student as an individual enrolled at an accredited institution in either a Masters level, PhD program or equivalent. Eligibility is based on enrollment in an accredited institution by June 26, 2017. You may be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. You must be eligible and authorized to work in the country of your fellowship. Unity cannot provide guidance or assistance on obtaining the necessary documentation to meet this criteria.
  • I am a International student -- can I apply for and participate in the program?
    In order to participate in the program, you must be a student (see Unity’s definition of a student above). You also must also be eligible to work in the country of your fellowship. Unity can not provide guidance or assistance on obtaining the necessary documentation to meet this criteria.
  • I have been accepted into an accredited post-secondary school program, but have not yet begun attending. Can I still take part in the program?
    As long as you are enrolled as a student (see Unity’s definition of a student above) as of June 26, 2017, you are eligible to participate in the program.
  • What is the application deadline?
    The deadline for applications to the 2017 Unity Global Graduate Fellowship Program is 12:00 Midnight PST on September 9, 2017; however, we will be considering applicants from June 26, 2017 until the fellowships are selected. The start and completion dates for each fellowship will be decided on individual basis.

Payments, transcripts, and documentation:

  • How do payments work?
    Unity will provide a total stipend of $30,000 USD for each Fellow. The award of the fellowship, and payment of its accompanying stipend, is subject to local legislation in the country which the Fellow resides. Please note: Payments will be made by electronic bank transfer, and are contingent upon satisfactory evaluations by Unity, and completion of all required enrollment and other forms. Fellows are responsible for payment of any local, state, or federal taxes associated with their receipt of the fellowship stipend.
  • What documentation is required from students?
    Students should be prepared, upon request, to provide Unity with transcripts from their accredited institution as proof of enrollment or admission status. Official transcripts not required; a photocopy of the original is sufficient. As a condition of eligibility, students must provide evidence satisfactory to Unity Technologies ApS that it will receive full ownership to all intellectual property developed in connection with the fellowship. Applicants will be required to sign a standard non-disclosure agreement in favor of Unity Technologies ApS. Fellows will be required to sign an intellectual property assignment agreement in favor of Unity Technologies ApS for the intellectual property developed in connection with the fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do I apply?
    Please complete the application form supplied
  • Do I need to submit references for this program?
    No
  • Can I submit more than one application?
    No, unless there's a really good reason for it. Please email us about it!
  • Who do I contact for additional information?
    Please use the contact us information to get in touch.
  • Can you provide examples of demos/ github projects?
    You can google or youtube for demos. Here's one: Phase-Functioned Neural Networks for Character Control: https://youtu.be/Ul0Gilv5wvY.
  • Can I apply if I have applied machine learning experience in a related field?
    Yes, you are encouraged to apply.
  • I don't meet the minimum criteria, but I would still like to be considered for this program because I think that otherwise I am perfect for it.
    There are always exceptions to the rules ! Please get in touch with us first; We'd like to hear from you.
  • How many fellowships will be awarded for 2017?
    Unity will award 2 fellowships.
  • If I currently have research or fellowship funding from somewhere else, am I still eligible to receive the Unity Fellowship?
    It depends. If you are selected to receive the award, you may be asked to decline research funding or fellowships from another company. Usually funding from your university, or related to a teaching requirement, is allowed. Please contact us at research@unity3d.com and tell us about your unique case.
  • How do I get notified if I got accepted into the program?
    We will get in touch with more information via email.
  • Can I get a letter of support to make this fellowship count towards my school's graduate internship or for credit?
    Yes
  • Do I have to move to SF for the fellowship?
    No, you don't. Please select what's your preference when you complete the application form.
  • What should I expect to do?
    You should expect to do exploratory research related to a specific assigned topic / area.
    Selected graduate research fellows will have the opportunity to work on applied advanced Machine Learning research topics related to:
    • Digital content generation such as animations, graphics, and dialogue using generative networks to create more unique content more efficiently.
    • Behavioral and Game AI using deep reinforcement learning to solve generating behaviors in complex environments, for example, creating complex AI driven NPCs.
    • Game development process optimization using both deep reinforcement learning and generative nets to create more efficient workflows and reduce uncertainty around developer / artistic decision making.

About Unity

Unity is a breakthrough development platform for creating high quality 3D interactive entertainment content including video games, training simulations and medical and architectural visualizations.

Contact us
If you have any questions or inquiries please contact us: research@unity3d.com