Sculpin QA has been awarded nearly $900,000 in small business grants and loans to enhance VR technology by developing new tabletop games. The company has strategically leveraged a mix of federal and provincial funding, which will be used to hire additional support staff to develop, test, and market its newest gaming software.
The contribution will be provided through the Natural Resource Canada (NRC)’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF). The company will receive a combination of Canadian research grants, as well as provincial small business loans and wage subsidies.
The company plans to create 13 new full-time positions and will hire producers, designers, and engineers to support VR development and marketing efforts.
$886,033 in Government Funding Awarded to Develop Games for VR Technology Platforms
Sculpin QA, subsidiary of Other Ocean Group Canada Ltd., is a video game testing and development company based out of Charlottetown, PEI. The software development company has committed to providing quality jobs to talented youth through its latest project.
The company is offering a new take on classic board games; government funding will be used to help Sculpin QA develop VR technology that allows virtual reality users to play table top-style board games within the virtual world.
To support the development of an innovative VR gaming platform, Sculpin QA has leveraged the following:
- A repayable contribution of $420,767 through ACOA’s Business Development Program;
- A non-repayable contribution of $144,500 through NRC-IRAP’s Accelerated Review Process program; and
- A total of $20,766 in wage subsidies provided through the provincial government’s Innovation PEI initiative.
This project will allow Sculpin QA to create a new, innovative VR gaming platform, offer high-quality jobs, and boost innovation within PEI’s technology sector.
“The gaming industry on PEI has grown exponentially over the last few years, and the cutting-edge work being done by companies like Sculpin QA is a big reason why. This project will create jobs and further cement our province’s reputation as a gaming leader, showing that despite our small size we are mighty in our ability to make big things happen.”
– The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
Sculpin QA Leverages a Strategic Mix of Small Business Grants and Loans
Sculpin QA has successfully accessed a mix of federal and provincial government funding to support their ongoing software development project. By optimizing a funding plan, the company can maximize the impact of its latest innovative technologies.
Funding for Research and Development
There are a variety of different government funding programs tailored to support innovative research and development activities. Research grants can be used to help businesses overcome internal technical challenges, develop new products/processes, and determine marketing best practices.
Learn more about Canadian research and development funding for your innovative business projects.
Funding for Hiring
The federal and provincial governments both offer hiring grants and wage subsidies to encourage employers to hire students and recent graduates across Canada. By accessing government funding, employers can address internal labour and skill shortages while also gaining access to knowledgeable top talent.
Learn more about hiring grants and wage subsidies to support your workforce development initiatives.
Stay Up-to-Date on Current Government Funding Opportunities for Your Business
The easiest way to remain informed on Canadian government funding for your business is to sign up for Mentor Works’ Weekly Funding Newsletter. Business owners and executives should continuously look for growth and development opportunities. Canadian government grants and loans are available to help foster business growth and reduce strategic project costs.
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