Nike has announced that it is embracing the developer community with a new Nike+ Accelerator program which it hopes will help 10 companies over three months build cool products that use the company's Nike+ platform.

"The program aims to leverage the success of the Nike+ platform to support digital innovation by connecting with companies that share Nike’s commitment to help people live more active lives," explains Nike on the new initiative.

"The Nike+ Accelerator will accept applications from companies aiming to use Nike+ technology to create products and services that will inspire athletes across a broad range of activity and health goals including training, coaching, gaming, data visualization and quantified self." 

What that means in English and non-marketing speak is that Nike is hoping to create its own eco-system of products and services outside of what it already does itself.

Starting in March 2013, once the companies have been selected, Nike says it will to provide development tools, office facilities, technical platforms and support to create solutions leveraging the Nike+ API and Nike+ mobile SDK from its headquarters in Portland.

The company hopes that by doing so it will kickstart a number of solutions, be it apps, products, training programmes or something else that it hasn't thought of itself.

It's not the first time Nike has teamed up with other companies to create a shared goal. Earlier this year, Nike turned to Sarah Reinersten to help them create a dedicated sole for amputee runners who wear blades.

Visit nikeaccelerator.com for details and applications. The application deadline is February 3, 2013. Selected companies will be contacted by the end of February, and the program will begin in mid-March.