About GAIN

Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) aims to connect capability between the two largest gaming clusters outside of London: Surrey (Guildford Games Cluster) and Warwickshire (Silicon Spa). The University of Surrey, in partnership with the University of Warwick and University of Creative Arts (UCA), will leverage GAIN to strengthen connection between the universities and games & CreaTech industry, foster collaboration and drive creativity and growth in the sector.

GAIN Objectives

GAIN will foster innovation to support the thriving games clusters in Guildford and Leamington Spa to drive creativity and growth through catalysing connections:

· GAIN connects academics and researchers with regional games studios, delivering projects that benefit from a collaborative, partnership approach.

· GAIN connects our games and wider CreaTech ecosystems with funding that overcomes industry challenges, unlocking opportunity and growth.

· GAIN connects the UK’s largest games clusters outside of London, nurturing innovation in games communities whilst investing in infrastructure and activities to promote growth and innovation.

· GAIN will act as catalyst for regional cohesion, develop the innovation ecosystem and respond to industry challenges for the benefit of games and CreaTech companies regionally and nationally.

Key GAIN Outputs

· Investment in key spaces for collaboration, incubation, R&D and play through Surrey’s Games Innovation Zone, supported by Surrey County Council.

· Increased capacity of UCA’s established Games Incubation Studio.

· A vibrant new home for Warwick’s Esports Centre.

· A series of programmes including an Industry Challenge funding scheme and demonstrator Products from academic projects.

· Programme of events that connect academics with games industry, stimulating collaboration and innovation.

· Development of a new diversified innovation model that bridges across academic research and an IP sensitive industry.

Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) is proudly funded by Connecting Capability Fund – Research England Development (CCF-RED), and Surrey County Council