Program Info
Taking emerging video game/interactive digital media (IDM) studios to the next level!
In partnership with Ontario Creates, Interactive Ontario (IO) presents the seventh edition of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Futures Forward. This program is designed to provide Ontario’s early-stage IDM companies with access to the skills that they require to fast-track their knowledge acquisition and enhance the competitiveness of their companies through a series of workshops. The program is intended for companies that do not currently meet the requirements of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Concept Definition and Production programs.
IO’s Futures Forward program specifically caters to producers of video games and interactive VR/AR applications. It includes 8 weekly evening Zoom sessions led by industry experts, every Wednesday from October 16th to December 2nd. Additionally, participants will receive 3 one-on-one sessions with grant writing coaches who will review grant application homework, 1 one-on-one session with the pitch training expert, and 1 free one-hour legal consultation.
Completion of this course results in your eligibility to apply to the Ontario Creates IDM Fund Concept Definition and Production programs. Participants will also be eligible to compete for a $20,000 Ontario Creates-CMF IDM Fund: Futures grant open only to IDM Fund Futures program participants for early development activities.
If your emerging video game/IDM studio is looking to apply to the Ontario Creates IDM Fund as well as strengthen its capacity in funding/financing, accounting, legal, marketing and more, this program is built for you!
On Conclusion of the Program Participants Will:
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants will Adhere to the Following Criteria:
- Companies that do not currently meet the requirements of the Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Concept Definition and Production programs
New companies that are led by individuals with less than three years of professional IDM content creation experience - Established companies that are transitioning to IDM content creation from other industries
- Participating companies should have an interest in pursuing opportunities associated with proprietary content creation, and have an IDM Fund-eligible project that they would like to produce.
- Participants must be currently developing a video game or VR/AR interactive application.
- Each selected company may send up to two employees to participate in the workshop sessions.
Applicants Selection Criteria:
- Potential for the applicant to benefit from the program (value of 50%)
- The market viability and commercial potential of their project (value of 35%)
- Diversity among senior leadership, staff or contract employees (value of 15%)
If you have any questions, please email Interactive Ontario’s Manager of Industry Initiatives (Ethan Bowbyes) at programs@interactiveontario.com
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Interactive Ontario (IO) believes in fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. As such, all participants in IO’s programs and events are expected to behave in a respectful manner and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Please let us know if you require accommodation to participate in IO’s IDM Fund: Futures Forward program by emailing programs@interactiveontario.com.
2024 Presenting
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