April 2025

Merseyside Esports Limited Announce Winners of Digital Business Innovation Incubator

As Merseyside Esports Limited (MEL) continues to achieve steady progress across its core operations, the company is also committed to identifying new opportunities for growth through strategic engagement with emerging talent in the esports sector.

In line with this commitment, MEL is delighted to announce that three businesses have been selected for inclusion in the Company’s Digital and Esports Incubator. Each of the prize winners will receive a package of funding, premises, mentoring and partnership support worth almost £50,000.

The three selected businesses, which stood out from a strong field of applicants, are:

1. ExerPlay –

an innovative electronic game interface designed to allow people with restricted mobility to play computer games, whilst assisting with their rehabilitation. The product is expected to be of particular benefit to people affected by stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions which may have compromised motor skills. The user can customise their device to their unique needs, without having to purchase costly additions.

 Founder Craig Ryan said “Video game therapy has demonstrated potential in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative effects associated with age-related diseases while positively impacting mental health. By making gaming more accessible and functional for the elderly, we can help alleviate the demands on the care industry. With the support of the incubator, ExerPlay will collaborate with research institutions and care facilities to further develop our product and demonstrate its cost-effectiveness in addressing rising care costs”.

2. KeyKats KatKeys -

a manufacturer of artisan and infinitely customisable computer key caps using a patented photopolymer 3D printing method. This business will enable a new level of customisation in a billion dollar market, by allowing the creation of extremely fine detailed models in 3D format, making it ideal for licensed brands, sports teams, and individual enthusiasts to build bespoke keyboards.

Founder Steven McKerrow said “I am proud to be joining forces with TRFC and MEL; their backing, exceptional insight and pedigree in team sports will:

a. significantly enhance the Keycaps product and brand. Our (My) goal of making the technology and product accessible to consumers and brands alike will no longer be a dream. It's a purrfect platform to help brands make meaningful and memorable products for gamers and esports.

b. give our creative solution the purrfect platform. I look forward to developing the brand and IP with the team at TRFC and MEL. This will make Artisan Keycaps far more accessible in the market with a cute and Cat twist, we can't wait to open this up and see what everyone creates”.

3. MonoSim/FlatOutSimulations – a new racing simulation experience that allows the customer to experience the thrill of driving a high-performance supercar at various locations around the world and to compete in esports events that offer a perfectly level playing field and closely matched opponents, on demand, with daily tournaments and global leaderboards. The founder’s experience in the professional simulation space along with an innovative new simulation engine will allow MonoSim to deliver an industry-leading racing experience to a consumer market.

Founder David Hatton, said “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Merseyside Esports Limited and the comprehensive package of support offered by the MEL Incubator is a game-changer - helping us to not only bring this exciting new esports product to market but also strengthening our joint commitment to create innovative and immersive experiences for the gaming community. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our journey into the consumer space and we’re excited about the path ahead together with Merseyside Esports Limited”.

Jiaping Song, a director of Merseyside Esports said: “We would like to thank all of the entrepreneurs who entered this competition for inclusion in our Incubator programme, and to congratulate the three who have been selected. We look forward to working closely with each of them — not only to help realise the vision they have for their own businesses, but also to explore new opportunities for growth together as we expand the scope of MEL’s esports and digital innovation initiatives.”