FAQ

APPCAMPUS 101 & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply?
AppCampus is an open, global program n for everyone regardless of nationality. The program is open globally both for companies and individuals/teams. AppCampus provides funding for mobile apps developed for Windows Phone and additionally other Nokia platforms.
How can I apply?
Just fill in the application form.
What is the selection criteria to be accepted to the AppCampus program?
Broadly, the criteria are:
  1. Innovative. First-to-Market.
  2. Not already published in app stores.
  3. Supports key features as they become available (for example maps, location-awareness, camera, near-field communications, accelerometer, Live Tiles, push notification, in-app purchase, in-app advertising, in-app analytic, try-buy, and subscriptions).
  4. Design elegance, technical quality and performance (proto, mock-up, design documents).
  5. Potential to drive momentum (promoting mobile user experience, new areas of mobile usage, mobile business innovation etc.).
What if my application is already published in a competing store?
The porting or incremental improvement of existing apps already in a mobile store to the Windows or Nokia Phone platforms won't qualify for an award. 
What does "Exclusivity" mean in the context of AppCampus?
Once the application is up on the relevant Application Store (Windows Phone and/or Nokia), the App developer may not post a similar application to a competing store for 90 days.
What support does AppCampus provide for the developers?
AppCampus provides funding (financial awards, no equity investment, no commission), training & coaching, and support in many other areas like marketing, marketplace qualification process etc.
Will there be events coming up where more information will be given?
The best way to stay on top the latest news and events is to follow AppCampus on Facebook and Twitter. AppCampus blog is also a channel, where we aim to share all the latest news. You can also subscribe to the AppCampus newsletter on our homepage. 
What language should be used for applications?
The working language in the program is English. The Apps which are developed in the program may be customized for the language of the target markets.
Can teams get funding even if they don't want any coaching?
The level and amount of coaching will be tailored case by case, but we believe that some coaching, either technical or business-related, is nearly always necessary.
What is the cost to be a member of AppCampus?
The AppCampus program is free for all the participants.
App is a broad term, what are you looking for? Productivity tools, games, technical showcases, social media etc.?
We do not exclude any type of apps, other than those that have socially inappropriate content, though we may emphasize certain themes in the future. We are very focused on the impact of the app, which may be a combination of potential revenue generation, potential volume of penetration, and potential positive impact on society.
Can I outsource the app development to a third party?
The AppCampus award can be used to cover the app development by a third party. However, you will remain the contact person toward the AppCampus program.
Will AppCampus cover the travelling cost to Finland for the training and coaching period?
If you are selected to participate to the training and coaching period, AppCampus will cover some of the costs for travelling to Finland.
Can I apply more than one time to the AppCampus program?
Yes. However, various applications need to be submitted separately and they are processed individually.
Is there a deadline for applying to the program?
No. AppCampus accepts submissions on a continuous basis during the course of the program. 
Where can I check or update the status of my application?
If you have an enquiry about your submission, please send your questions to info@appcampus.fi together with your application ID. 
What if circumstance changes and I am not able to support my AppCampus application anymore?
You can withdraw your submission by sending a request to info@appcampus.fi.
Can I apply for a Windows Phone 8 app?
Yes, Windows Phone 8 applications are fully supported by the program.
When will I get feedback on my AppCampus application?
We typically will deliver decision on application within 4 weeks of submission. However, the reply time can vary due to the increase in submitted applications. 
Will programming, marketing, and business workshops be available to AppCampus participants? How long will I need to stay in Finland for the workshops?
Workshops will be available to AppCampus participants. The details will be available later in the program. 
What are the next steps after I'm accepted to the AppCampus program?
The period between you being selected to the program and graduating as an alumni, is called the Award Process. You can read more about the process here.
I can’t attach a document to my submission. The link (url) is too long. What should I do?

Please provide us with URL links (see dropbox, skydrive…) to any documents that you wish us to review. If you wish to protect them with a password, don't forget to send us the required username and password. If your URLs are too long, you can use a URL shortener like tinyurl.com or bitly.com.

How long does it take to get the payment after the design/release milestone has been approved?
Usually the payment is done already during the following day from the approval.
How much time am I allowed to use for my project?
We aim for the teams to finalize their projects in an average of 4 months. However, all projects are of different size and complexity, therefore you should give us your best estimate for the release date. Timeframe examples provided in the Project Definition template are only for guidance.
I am developing a game, should I follow Windows Phone design guidelines?
Games are different from Silverlight applications and they differ from Windows Phone design style and are free to express creativity in gameplay and UI design. This is true for XNA games and non-WP styled games. However, all quality test cases still apply, with the exception of WP styled games. Please refer to DPS Quality Bar chapter 4 for more info.
If I get accepted to the program, do I have to travel to Finland or can I work remotely?
The entire project can be done remotely. Getting funding does not require for you to come to Finland. However, we have a 4-week intensive coaching and training camp called AppCademy organized approximately 4 times per year in our co-working premises in Finland, where we invite and sponsor some of the most promising teams from our portfolio. Only some of the AppCampus teams are invited to the camp. Of course we expect that the selected teams are excited for the opportunity and world class support they will be provided during the camp and therefore happy to participate.
Question?
We offer AppCademy camps to accepted AppCampus teams only. If you're accepted to the program, you can communicate your interest to participate in the camp, however we investigate and estimate each team individually and invite the most promising ones to come to the camp.
I have difficulties registering a company account to Windows Phone Dev Center. Can you help me out?
If you face any challenges during the Dev Center registration, please contact Symantec support directly (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windowsphone/help/jj244361(v=vs.105).aspx). AppCampus team is not able to help you with Dev Center related topics.
What kind of test devices does AppCampus have to borrow the developers for testing?
We have a variety of Nokia phones to borrow. Here is the list of the devices we currently borrow for the teams which have been accepted to AppCampus program:Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia Lumia 900, Nokia Lumia 610, Nokia Lumia 820, Nokia Lumia 620, Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Asha 311
How do I test my app?
Please check out our blog post about testing your app here: http://www.appcampus.fi/blog/130-testing-testing .