> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://shard-5.gitbook.io/shard-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://shard-5.gitbook.io/shard-docs/builders-and-ecosystem/shard-incubator.md).

# Shard incubator

> Building the next generation of Polymarket-native products. Early conversations matter.

The Shard Incubator is not a standard accelerator. It is the engine that creates Shard Native Projects  independent products born inside Shard's infrastructure, distributed to Shard's full user base from day one, at a depth no external integration can ever reach.

***

## What is a Shard Native Project?

Shard Native Projects is a new category of native products incubated by Shard, built directly into the app's infrastructure, and distributed to Shard's full user base from day one.

Unlike standard partner integrations, SNP projects are born inside Shard. They receive funding, technical support, network access, and go-to-market backing and in return are integrated at a depth that no external product can reach.

Independent teams. Shard-level depth.

<figure><img src="https://1388576061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FCPGi2b69kCPdb4Ixjpr9%2Fuploads%2F9gPdXcvR839qbGJNSkmK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b7c60a1d-3bf1-4c24-bda1-433e3562a284" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## What the incubator provides

* **From zero** — Shard incubates from idea to live product. No prior codebase required.
* **Funded** — Early-stage financial support. You build Shard backs the runway.
* **Co-developed** — Built on Shard's core infrastructure with the Shard tech team alongside you.
* **Network access** — Investors, partners, and ecosystem players from day one.
* **Go-to-market** — Co-built launch strategy, community activation, and co-branding with Shard.
* **Shared economy** — Revenue model co-designed with Shard. Growth is shared not extracted.

***

## Partner vs Shard Native

|                   | Partner             | Shard Native        |
| ----------------- | ------------------- | ------------------- |
| Integration depth | Widget / interface  | Core infrastructure |
| Funding           | —                   | Yes                 |
| Technical support | Integration help    | Full co-development |
| Distribution      | Workspace placement | Built into the app  |
| Go-to-market      | Self-managed        | Co-built with Shard |
| Independence      | Full                | Full                |

{% hint style="info" %}
First Shard Native cohort in development soon.
{% endhint %}