Open to all independent developers who want to create and market apps and games, ten winners will each receive $10,000 in cash and $5,000-worth of services from Kiip's partners.
These include the likes of Parse, Urban Airship, Amazon Web Services, Crittercism and Localytics, and cover services such as backend infrastructure, bug reporting, analytics and push notifications.
Thinking different
This year, the competition will be centered around the theme of Creation, with health and fitness being a particular focus with three spots reserved for the category.
Indeed, Pepsi has active involvement with the Build Fund through its Propel fitness water brand.
Part of the sponsorship will include Propel rewards that will be allocated to these three winners when they are Kiip-enabled.
"There are a lot of apps and games that iterate on what we've already seen. They're fine, but we're looking for apps that will define an entirely new category, that come from a spark of genius and inspiration," commented Kiip CEO Brian Wong about this year's theme.
"We are looking for the developers that create these movements. It's time we focus on the true independents."
Soft power
Also involved with the Build Fund will be a range of industry mentors from companies ranging from Urban Airship and Path to Facebook, Jawbone, True Ventures, Crittercism, PikPok Games, Get Set Games, HandyGames, and even Pocket Gamer.
"The Kiip Build Fund is a fantastic experience for independent developers," said Michael Leip, CEO of Lab 927, a 2012 Build Fund winner.
"Aside from the obvious monetary benefit, you gain access to a great group of high-level peers and exceptional mentors who are pillars of the industry. The Build Fund holds the potential to take a small indie company from good to great."
To apply for the 2013 Build Fund, check out the website, while you can also party with Kiip at GDC on Wednesday 27 March at Harlot. Register via Eventbrite.
