Samsung has launched a worldwide app challenge for Gear 2 app developers, with over $1.25m (£750,000) worth of prizes up for grabs, including a $100,000 cash prize for the winner.

The Samsung Gear App Challenge will be the third in the series of Samsung Smart App Challenges and is part of Samsung’s plan to continuously innovate the wearable app industry.

After unveiling the Samsung Gear 2 in February, Samsung distributed a free SDK for the Gear 2 to developers. They can now take part in the challenge by registering apps developed with the SDK on Samsung Apps from 8 May.

“This challenge marks the beginning of Samsung’s plan to boost the app ecosystem for the recently unveiled Samsung Gear 2,” said Won-Pyo Hong, president of Samsung Electronics Media Solution Centre.

In addition, Samsung plans to host various global events including the Samsung Gear Hackathon and Developer Day to help developers better understand the SDK for the Samsung Gear 2.

There’s more information on app development for the Samsung Gear and related events here.