First GameTech Accelerator Was Held in Sharjah

Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Abu Dhabi-based venture capital fund Shorooq Partners has completed the first SHFT BUILD, a game technology accelerator programme. It aims to help game studios, game developers, game engine developers and streaming platform developers who are building start-ups in the game industry, by enhancing skills and networking with large companies in the industry.

During the eight-week programme, 33 start-ups with 68 founders have spent more than 300 hours in an online training programme that should help founders in the gaming and cyber sports industry succeed and secure start-up investment.

Among the partners were Amazon Web Services, AD Gaming, Tamatem Games and others.

The top six start-ups were able to present their products at the Demo Day in front of more than 160 guests, including founders, investors and programme partners.

Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of Shams, who spoke on Demo Day, said:

Sharjah Media City has an ambitious vision to position Sharjah as a world-class hub for media and creativity in the region, to make creative entrepreneurship more accessible to talented creative individuals, and to inspire business growth. Gaming is naturally at the core of this mission, given the tremendous growth and reach the sector has come to enjoy.