XPrize founder Peter Diamandis has launched a $3.5 million Future Vision Xprize to encourage optimistic science fiction storytelling about technology's potential. The contest, inspired by his childhood love of Star Trek, aims to counter the prevailing dystopian narratives in modern sci-fi. Diamandis credits the iconic series with shaping his entire career trajectory and motivating him to create a better future.

Backed by tech luminaries including Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, investor Cathie Wood, and Rod Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, the competition seeks to flood screens with hopeful visions of technological progress. The contest partners with Google's 100 ZEROS initiative, which provides filmmakers with production tools including video generation models like Veo. Submissions open March 9 and close August 15, with winners announced September 25.

Contestants must submit three-minute trailers, with judges selecting finalists to produce 10-minute shorts. The grand prize winner receives $2.5 million in production funding plus a $100,000 cash prize, with additional crowdfunding support expected. Diamandis emphasizes that while AI tools can assist creators, human storytelling remains essential - warning against fully AI-generated submissions that lack authentic humanity.