HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology in Salford, has announced the launch of Gametech Mediacity, an accelerator to scale 30 early-stage businesses in areas like metaverse, XR and virtual production.
The accelerator aims to bring together the gametech, esports and creative digital communities to provide opportunities for individuals and groups from all backgrounds; and includes 3,000 new jobs being created over two yeas, upskilling diverse local talent through Skills City, and securing public and private sector investment.
It was announced at HOST’s inaugural Esports Festival, part of last month’s Digital City Festival in Manchester.
Gametech MediaCity will support 30 start-ups, providing a three-month growth and innovation programme to focus on their technology, IP ownership, and help them prepare for investment.
It is also founded in response to statistics on the lack of diversity in the UK gaming industry, namely that 67% of the workforce is male, while 90% is either White British or White Other.
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said: “Building on the incredible success of MediaCity, we’re now attracting the best global leaders and partners in gametech and creative digital sectors to achieve this great vision, which will ensure that every person has fair access to the immense skills, jobs and business opportunities that the industry provides.
“Our ambition is to create an international beacon of creativity, innovation and prosperity. A place where we can start to converge this community and evidence the transformational impact of what gametech, esports and immersive technologies can bring to the region, the economy and society.”
Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCity, added: “The scale of the new and inclusive opportunities for growth generated from the gametech and esports campus will be transformational for MediaCity as we look forward to welcoming some of the most forward-looking enterprises in this sector.
“Our continued partnership with HOST provides a unique offering, as the most exciting and long-term impact of this journey will be the creation of sustainable jobs and the development of professional skills in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the world.”
