Today STING Test Drive Game is launched, a national entrepreneurial program with the goal of raising more game-related companies. The program is run by STING and backed by several strong partners and leading profiles in the Swedish gaming industry. The program launch is the first step toward creating a sharp game incubator in Stockholm.

Starting in September, 10-12 carefully selected teams will the chance to develop their innovative game ideas and gaming technology solutions through a new startup program from STING . Behind the initiative are also a number of partners, including DICE, Future Games, Paradox, Goodbye Kansas, London Venture Partners and Resolution Games that have close access to new and smart gaming solutions, which can lead to new partnerships and growth opportunities for the established companies.

After the Test Drive program STING will offer some of the participating teams a place in the future incubator, which will most likely open at the turn of the year 2016/2017.

– Test Drive Game is our first step in an effort to develop a really sharp game incubator in Stockholm. We have anchored this carefully with the leading gaming companies, and feel a strong backing from the entire industry. To back the incubator, we will also build up an investment operation for those who want to invest in gaming companies in the early stages, says Pär Hedberg, founder and CEO of STING (Stockholm Innovation & Growth).

STING Test Drive Game is located in Stockholm, where workshops will be held at market leading companies in the industry. The program is led by Jana Karlikova, who also runs Stugan, and Jonas Lindqvist, serial entrepreneur and former business coach.

– The application is open to all who want to start a business in the gaming industry. The workshops will be held by our partners and will be attended by the biggest profiles in the Swedish and British gaming industry, says Jana Karlikova, Project Manager for the STING Test Drive Game .

During the seven evening workshops entrepreneurs with an early gaming idea will receive help to evaluate and develop the idea, and learn what it means to build a company. The program will give teams a basis to seriously invest in their ideas. At the eighth meeting, the “Best Game Project ” will be chosen in a final, and the winner will receive 10 000 SEK sponsored by one of the program partners, Goodbye Kansas.

Who can apply? People from all parts of Sweden with their own innovative business idea in gaming with great international growth potential. Ambition and scalability are also important criteria. The team should preferably consist of two to three people.
Cost: 0 SEK
First workshop: September 15
Application: By 1 September at sting.co/testdrive

More information
> Read more about STING Test Drive Game
> Download the program leaflet here