Abertay Prototype Fund Round 2 Deadline Approaches

Students and independent developers wishing to apply for the £25,000 Prototype Fund sponsored by the University of Abertay Dundee must submit applications this week to be considered for the second round of funding. Abertay's Prototype Fund "looks to invest directly in small or young creative businesses, giving them the capital they need to create a prototype computer game or digital media product." Funded projects will open work experience opportunities for selected students, graduates and established freelancers. Six companies were selected in the first funding round, with three projects based at Abertay University itself. "Securing the Abertay Prototype Fund investment has been instrumental in enabling Setgo to undertake the development of a range of exciting prototype features in our game Castaways," said Clemens Wangerin, Managing Director of first round applicant Setgo. "At the same time, the two graduates that have joined Setgo as part of the programme are gaining tangible benefits from their hands-on involvement in the project. We are extremely happy and proud to be recipients of the Abertay Prototype Fund and highly recommend that other developers make use of this unique opportunity to secure funding." Abertay Director of Business Development Paul Durrant adds: "We’ve received some very promising applications in our second round so far, which will all receive a fair and thorough assessment of their business potential. "Securing start-up cash can be a considerable struggle for young businesses, even with very talented staff and a great business idea. By investing right at the start, and providing skilled graduates to work on projects, we aim to give companies the best chance of establishing themselves and successfully gaining further investment." Applications must be submitted by April 29th at the Prototype Fund website.