Abertay opens new Prototype funding round

Abertay University has opened a new round of its Prototype Fund for games developers and ‘interactive media companies’ based in or moving into Scotland.

The financial assistance offers up to £25,000 for the development of a new prototype, and is conceived to address the early funding gap that serves as a stumbling point for many small firms.

For this round the fund – typically open to outfits across the UK – is reserved for those from Abertay University’s home nation of Scotland, or companies planning on setting up in the country. The new funding round, which is open as of the time of writing, has been geographically targeted to ‘manage the grants available in the current phase of investment.’

“The Abertay University Prototype Fund has been a big success already, with over 300 applications for investment and almost 60 projects successfully receiving funding," said Paul Durrant, Director of Business Development at Abertay University.

“These have included one company which secured an £800,000 private investment to turn their prototype into a finished product, and BAFTA winner Tick Tock Toys from Swallowtail Games which received promotion from Apple in 40 countries worldwide upon release.”

Abertay University’s Prototype Fund is a collective work supported by investment from the educational establishment itself, the European Regional Development Fund administered by the Scottish Government, and UK Government funding administered by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

Those looking to apply for the fund, which closes on Wednesday, May 1st, can do so at the official Prototype Fund website.

For the first time, this year Prototype applications will be judged at the moment of submission – rather than the standard process of waiting for the closing date – meaning the round may close early if enough high-quality projects are submitted.