Application period for the 2026 Games Lift Incubator has begun
Since 2020, Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft has been supporting the development of video games through its Gamecity Hamburg initiative, offering financial grants of 15,000 euros, a diverse workshop programme, and personalised mentoring via the Games Lift Incubator. Developers, teams, and studios can now apply until 1 June.
What the Games Lift Incubator offers
In six rounds, Gamecity Hamburg has already supported 30 startups and developers in the Games Lift Incubator with the creationof video games. Graduates of the programme have won multiple awards, secured follow-up funding and publisher deals, and already celebrated several releases. All those accepted into the incubator can expect one year of support in the form of knowledge transfer, the provision of resources, and a strong network.
Specifically, participants receive:
15,000 euros in financial support
An additional coaching budget of 1,000 euros
A comprehensive workshop programme tailored to the needs of indie developers
Individual mentoring by experienced industry professionals
Spaces for networking and collaboration
A group trip to an international industry event
Access to a broad network of experts and connections to relevant contacts
Playtesting sessions and other internal and public events
To secure a spot in the Games Lift Incubator, the following criteria must be met:
The team has a maximum of five members.
All team members must be able to attend workshops in Hamburg during the intensive phase from September through early December.
Teams must be based in or near Hamburg.
The project must be a digital game.
The project can be at any stage of development, from concept to just before release.
Further information about the incubator programme will be provided during the online event Games Lift Insights on 12 May at 3 p.m.
A selection committee will review all submissions and choose which teams will present their projects in an online pitch. Following this, the committee will make the final decision on which five teams will be accepted into the incubator.
