New Zealandâ??s biggest developer wins tech grant

New Zealand’s largest game development group Sidhe has won grant funding from TechNZ, the nation’s business development initiative for IT and technology firms.

TechNZ – the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology – awards various businesses up to NZ$50 million ($29 million) each year. The final figure awarded to Sidhe was not disclosed.

Sidhe has previously worked on titles such as the Wii edition of Speed Racer as well as Gripshift. Managing director of the group, Mario Wynands, said that the funding would help the studio accelerate the development of technology for the company’s cross-platform development framework.

"TechNZ invests in research that will have a significant impact on industries and the ability to have worldwide impact," said Joseph Stuart, a Senior Business Manager with TechNZ.

"Sidhe has continued to grow its leadership position in New Zealand’s interactive entertainment industry, and its technology is an exemplar of what New Zealand companies are doing to address global innovation needs."