OGR Torino, 34BigThings and Microsoft announce the opening of applications for Quickload powered by OGR Torino, the first Italian acceleration programme for European startups in the gaming sector. Among the project's investor partners are Digital Magics, dpixel and Sellalab. You can apply from 30 July to 20 September 2021 on the official website of Quickload powered by OGR Torino.
This call is addressed to startups and development ideas across Europe in the field of entertainment and serious gaming. The companies will be selected by a group of international experts, designated by the project partners, and will be awarded with a mentorship and a set of tools and resources for the development of their business and creative ideas.
After the official presentation of the selected startups during an event in November, the full programme will start on 6 December 2021 and will last 6 months, until 27 May 2022.
The programme Quickload powered by OGR Torino project is yet another opportunity for Torino to strengthen its position as a city dedicated to innovation and digital in every sector with a high rate of development: it is an excellent time, indeed, to invest and support talents in the gaming market, a sector that last year generated a volume of €2.1 billion (source: IIDEA Report, "Videogames in Italy in 2020"), for a total of +21.9% compared to 2019.
The best startups will be able to continue working for another 6 months at OGR Tech. The projects considered most valid in the entertainment sector will have access to funding of $100,000 from Microsoft ID@Xbox, the international programme dedicated to independent developers. For serious and business game projects there will be the possibility of being selected for the global Microsoft for Startups programme.
Massimo Lapucci, CEO of OGR Torino, said: "We are very proud to announce today the Quickload acceleration programme powered by OGR Torino. Gaming is a sector on which OGR Torino - through the OGR Tech business community - has been focusing since the beginning. With this experience we expect to consolidate our presence at European level in areas characterised by high rates of development, thus consolidating OGR's mission as a hub for business acceleration and innovation at the service of the country. The path, which joins the other seven innovation programmes already active at OGR Tech, further strengthens the partnership with Microsoft and the Turin-based 34BigThings, with the aim of enhancing and attracting talent to the city, cultivating its entrepreneurial culture and creating collaborations with other leading players at a global level".
"One of Quickload's objectives is to help new talents develop their own business idea in the gaming field, whether it be a video game, a demo or the pillar of a new entrepreneurial culture", commented Valerio Di Donato, CEO of 34BigThings. "It will be fundamental in the selection process not only to demonstrate that you have a valid idea with good potential, but also that you have the professional and personal characteristics to face a challenging but highly satisfying growth path".
In conclusion, Guy Richards, Senior Strategic Partner Manager Microsoft ID@Xbox EMEA, also stated: "Our commitment is to enable independent developers to design innovative games. In this regard, the Quickload programme is a great opportunity for Italian gaming startups to get extra support and expertise at an early stage of their journey".
