New Maltese R&D hub for Merseyside immersive content studio
Draw & Code, the Liverpool headquartered immersive content studio, has opened an R&D and product development studio in Malta.
The new arm for the UK company will focus on innovation including developing original IP in the AR and VR space while seeking to build on Draw & Code’s existing patent portfolio.
Draw & Code is known is known for its work in virtual and augmented reality having worked with global brands including Mercedes-Benz, Sony Music, Warner Bros and Nokia.
This investment in a new studio has been enabled by support from Malta Enterprise, the agency tasked with economic development and strategy on the island.
One of their areas of focus is developing Malta’s already growing technology and games ecosystem, something that appealed to Draw & Code as they sought an EU presence to guard against the effects of Brexit and to extend their reach beyond the UK.
John Keefe, Draw & Code
Draw & Code co-founder and technology director John Keefe said: “We discovered Malta’s interactive and spatial technology scene while working with exciting new tech developed on the island and we felt an affinity with the people and the place immediately.”
He added: “Like our Liverpool home and with some similarities to our extended visits to the US West Coast, Malta is a place where natural and human history meets technology; the environment feels like it is teeming with stories and we’re at home in a place like that.”
Silvio Schembri, Minister for Economy and Industry, said: “Building sustainable ecosystems in the digital economy has always been a priority in our economic vision.
“I met John and his team three years ago and soon after, as part of our strategy to create new economic niches, we launched a strategy spearheaded by Gaming Malta to grow the video game, esports, and immersive technologies sectors.
“Today, we are starting to reap the fruits of these efforts. Draw & Code embraced this vision and choosing Malta to expand their R&D immersive technology hub is a testament to these strategic efforts we are focusing on.
“We remain steadfast in our vision on the importance of Malta being at the forefront of addressing emerging technology.
“Our continued investment in creating a business landscape which nurtures gamification high potential ventures spearheaded by Gaming Malta will augur a successful integration of Draw & Code in our ecosystem and culture.”
