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 eighth edition of the Ontario Creates Futures Forward Program. 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 IP Fund – Interactive Content Stream 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 15th to December 1nd. 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 IP Fund – Interactive Content Stream programs. Participants will also be eligible to compete for a $20,000 Ontario Creates Futures Forward grant open only to Futures Forward program participants and studios run by under-represented individuals, for early development activities.
If your emerging video game/IDM studio is looking to apply to the Ontario Creates IP 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 IP Fund – Interactive Content Stream
- New companies that are led by individuals with less than three years of professional Video Game and/or XR content development experience (i.e., start-up company led by recent graduates)
- Existing companies that are transitioning to Video Game and/or XR content creation from other industries (i.e., linear production company exploring interactive content opportunities)
- Participating companies should have an interest in pursuing opportunities associated with proprietary content creation, and have an Interactive IP Fund-eligible project that they would like to produce (see Ontario Creates funding guidelines for the IP Fund for more information).
- 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 Futures Forward program by emailing programs@interactiveontario.com.
2025 Presenting
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