Press Release
La Piscine Selected by Innovate UK to Build Bridges Between the UK Video Game Industry and the Canadian Market
Montreal, October 7, 2026 — This fall, La Piscine will welcome a cohort of six UK video game companies as part of the Global Incubator Program – Video Gaming, a support program designed to deepen their understanding of the Canadian market and equip them to assess and drive their next stages of growth.
Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s innovation agency, has identified the creative industries as one of its six priority sectors in its 2026 strategy. That’s why it chose La Piscine, which is known for its sector-specific expertise and its network within the Canadian creative ecosystem, as its program partner. This partnership reaffirms La Piscine’s role as a strategic leader in connecting companies with international creative ecosystems.
Starting this fall and continuing through spring 2027, the selected UK companies will be immersed in Montreal’s creative ecosystem through a structured support program: one-on-one coaching with experts from La Piscine’s network, strategic guidance, collaborative workshops, and field assignments to foster B2B networking. These assignments will, in particular, give UK companies direct access to Montreal’s internationally recognized expertise: studios, creators, and key players in an ecosystem that continues to inspire beyond borders.
More than just market research, the program equips participating companies with the tools needed for a successful entry into the Canadian market: business relationships, a deep understanding of local dynamics, and an expansion strategy validated in the field.
“We are very pleased with this partnership with Innovate UK, which reflects what we’ve been building for years: expertise in providing support, an in-depth understanding of creative dynamics, and a network that allows us to forge meaningful connections between UK companies and the Canadian creative ecosystem. This is exactly the role La Piscine aims to play, both here and internationally,” says Delphine Beauchamp, Executive Director of La Piscine.
“This partnership is an exciting step forward in creating new international growth opportunities for innovative UK businesses. By connecting companies with world-class partners, expertise and market opportunities, we can help them scale faster, unlock investment and accelerate their global ambitions.”Jon Hazell, Partnership Manager – North America and Global Incubator Programmes, Innovate UK.
By partnering with the United Kingdom’s innovation agency, La Piscine reaffirms its position as an essential strategic partner for creative and cultural businesses seeking to better understand the North American market and, at the same time, confirms Montreal’s status as a global leader in creativity and innovation.
Participating companies:
Red Nought has developed a no-code 3D/VR platform for creating and monetizing immersive experiences without technical expertise.
Game Caster has launched an AI-powered marketing and sales platform for independent game studios.
Breaking Change has developed an AI infrastructure that enables studios to create complex game systems more quickly, regardless of the engine used.
EarSwitch Limited has created a wireless gaming headset that offers hands-free control and biofeedback via in-ear sensors for an adaptive gaming experience.
Symbiotic AI has developed the Orio platform, which enables players to create AI-generated content with a governance model for intellectual property and quality.
Meaning Machine has developed AI technology to build interactive experiences while maintaining control over the AI’s behavior.
About La Piscine
Founded in 2015, La Piscine positions itself as an integrated player in the development of the creative economy, and has helped accelerate the growth of over 600 companies and organizations. By combining support, expertise, a network, programming, and a dedicated space, it helps the cultural and creative ecosystem to organize itself, grow, and make its mark, both locally and internationally. To learn more: https://www.lapiscine.co/
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. We back deep tech businesses in the UK’s priority sectors for national benefit, supporting their journey from startup to scaling business to industry leader. We provide the funding, expert support and connections to help breakthrough ideas reach their potential, improve lives and drive economic growth. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation.