UK university esports body National Student Esports (NSE) has announced a partnership with Salford-based innovation hub HOST (Home of Skills and Technology).

The partnership will see the two companies work together on student education projects, events, and career development opportunities for students.

As a part of the partnership, HOST Salford and NSE will work to enrich student experiences at universities, the companies said in a release.

NSE and HOST said they would work on career development offerings for students looking to get into the tech industry, and also deliver more esports events for UK university students.

NSE and HOST will run a series of events at Salford’s MediaCity Gametech campus as part of the partnership. NSE will also highlight training and development opportunities through Skills City digital Bootcamps provided by HOST.

HOST Salford, an innovation hub consisting of research and development, prototyping, and lab spaces, offers specialist support and training for businesses.

HOST is a part of Salford’s Innovation Triangle, alongside Salford Royal Foundation Trust, the University of Salford and MediaCity. It is also the home of a new game tech campus, focusing on game development and esports.

Alex Coulson, Managing Director at National Student Esports, said NSE wants to offer UK students more value and opportunities, and that the partnership with HOST is a natural evolution for NSE that will help it do just that.

Mo Isap, CEO of HOST operator IN4 Group, commented: “We are delighted to join forces with NSE and ensure that all university students have fair access to the many opportunities that this industry is providing. Gaming and esports continue to be one of the fastest-growing sectors, but these skills are in huge demand across the whole economy too.’’