IN4 Group announces gametech accelerator for digital start-ups

HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, operated by Preston-based IN4 Group, is on a mission to drive forward the next generation of Lancashire’s global capabilities and reach as it looks to harness new technologies in the creative digital industries. 

Blackburn-born CEO Mo Isap is launching Gametech MediaCity, a next-level accelerator that will scale 30 of the most exciting start-ups innovating in technologies such as the metaverse, XR and virtual production. 

In response to the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the gametech and esports sectors, IN4 has committed to ensuring everyone has access to the skills, jobs and business opportunities that exist in the thriving creative industry.

This includes the creation of 3,000 new highly skilled jobs over two years, the upskilling of diverse local talent across the North through Skills City’s bootcamps and apprenticeships, and the securing of public and private sector investment into the rapidly growing sector. 

Ukie has found that there is still more work to be done to build an equal, diverse and inclusive sector in the UK games industry with 67 per cent of the workforce being male, 30 per cent female and 3 per cent non-binary. While representation from ethnic groups remains similar to two years ago, with 66 per cent of the workforce reporting that they are White British, 24 per cent as White Other, 5 per cent as Black, 2 per cent as Asian, 2 per cent as mixed/multiple ethnicities and 2 per cent as other.

The initiative aims to bring together the gametech, esports and creative digital communities, so there are tangible opportunities made available for individuals and groups, such as women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, who would not normally have access to traditional funding and support. 

At HOST’s inaugural Esports Festival, held as part of Digital City Festival, it announced Gametech MediaCity, where 30 start-ups in the UK will be immersed in a three-month growth and innovation programme to develop their cutting-edge technologies, IP ownership and prepare for investment. 

As well as a training ground for esports, including professional teams and local tournaments, it will act as a central gateway for stimulating skills and employment routes for young people to get into these emerging sectors.

The UK market for video games is continuing to grow at a rapid rate as it reached a record £7 billion in 2020, an increase of 29.9 per cent from 2019, beating 2018’s previous record by more than a billion pounds.

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 North, the economy and society.”

Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCity, said: “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 IN4 Group and 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.”