Glasgow 2014: Digital firms invited to compete

Commonwealth Games organisers have launched a competition to challenge digital firms to improve the summer sporting extravaganza’s experience, with a prize of up to £30,000 at stake.

Scotland’s digital firms have been tasked with developing an innovative idea to enhance the overall experience for spectators during or after the Games.

In partnership with Scottish Enterprise, the competition encourages companies to raise their growth ambitions and create new, exciting, interactive digital products for the Games and beyond.

The winning entry of the competition, termed the Glasgow 2014 Digital Sprint, will receive up to £30,000 to make their idea a reality and will receive tailored business support from Scottish Enterprise or Business Gateway as part of their prize.

Organisers say the competition is intended to deliver digital innovation that will enhance the experience and legacy of Glasgow 2014 and future Commonwealth Games. It is also aimed at giving companies a wider platform for potential customers.

Glasgow 2014 Digital Media Manager, Paul Giblin, said: “Digital has already played a huge role in the build up to the Games and helped us engage with key communities across Scotland. We hope this provides an opportunity for some of the smaller, more innovative companies, start-ups and individuals to benefit from an involvement in the biggest sporting and cultural event in Scotland’s history. There’s a wealth of digital talent in Scotland, and we’d love to hear about some of those ideas, either something that will directly benefit users during or after the Games or provide a digital legacy for Scotland and future events.”

Linda Murray, director of Scottish Enterprise’s 2014 team, said: “This year we have an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Scotland’s business strengths to a global audience and build a long-term business legacy for our economy. We’re known around the world for our rich heritage of innovation and creativity, as well as our growing reputation for digital media. Scotland is home to a wealth of creative digital companies who are making a global impact, including Skyscanner, Axis Animation and Rockstar North, creators of Grand Theft Auto. This competition encourages our smaller companies to raise their growth ambitions and create new, exciting, interactive digital products for the Games and beyond.”

The competition, which will include entrants submitting examples of their best written work, opens today and runs for a four week period, closing at 11.59pm on May 18.

To enter, please visit www.glasgow2014.com/digital-sprint-competition or find out more at #digitalsprint