The nomination window for the 17th Auggie Awards is closing in fast, with the cutoff set for April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. The Auggies may not necessarily come with a red carpet or a dramatic orchestral swell, but in the XR world they represent industry bragging rights. Winners will take the stage during Augmented World Expo USA (AWE USA 2026) , returning to Long Beach from June 15–18, 2026, where thousands of developers, designers, researchers, and curious headset‑wearers will gather to compare notes, network, gasp in awe at the latest industry advancements, swap demos (and yes, occasionally bump into walls).
Two new categories join the lineup for the 17th Auggie Awards this year, both reflecting where immersive tech is headed.
- Best Reality Capture: created with Reality Capture Network, highlights projects that turn the physical world into precise digital replicas—whether through LiDAR, photogrammetry, Gaussian splats, or whatever clever technique someone invents between now and June.
- Most Ethical Product: developed with the XR Guild, recognizes teams building tech that respects users, handles data responsibly, and avoids the “move fast and break things” era’s more questionable habits.
For anyone still staring at a partly-finished submission and hoping for a spark, last year’s Auggie Awards finalists, such as Ferryman Collective, Campfire, FundamentalVR, Dilmer Valecillos XR, and others, offer a reminder that creativity in XR can come in many flavors, from theatrical multiplayer adventures to surgical training platforms.
The AWE 2026 itself is shaping up to be a packed four‑day affair: three days of expo halls, hands‑on workshops, the Playground & Art Festival, and the usual mix of panels, product reveals, and diversified networking opportunities throughout the event. Finalists will be announced May 21, with judging running through June 10 before the winners are revealed on June 17.
If you’ve got an XR project in-development or already in a state ready to show off, now’s the moment to polish it up and send it in before the deadline sneaks up in a few days like a ninja.
