SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme in Switzerland

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme supports emerging game developers and studios connected to Switzerland in developing and finalising digital game prototypes. Selected participants receive CHF 6,000 in financial support, one year of online coaching, international networking opportunities, and access to trade fairs and industry experts. The programme is designed for emerging talents developing interactive digital games for computers, consoles, mobile devices, or mixed reality platforms.

About the SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme

The SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme aims to support the next generation of game developers and studios with a connection to Switzerland. The programme provides financial assistance, professional coaching, industry knowledge, and international networking opportunities to help participants advance their digital game prototypes and strengthen their position in the international gaming industry. Selected participants receive guidance from international experts while developing their projects and learning more about the business and professional aspects of the gaming industry. How Much Financial Support Is Available? Selected participants receive a financial contribution of CHF 6,000. In addition to the main financial contribution, participants may receive further support for childcare or travel-related expenses when attending international trade fairs.

Additional support of up to:

- CHF 250 per week for childcare or travel expenses for children and carers. - Applicants must provide a detailed budget in advance. - Support may also be available when children remain at home while the participant attends an international trade fair. This additional support is intended to help participants manage family-related expenses associated with international industry participation. What Does the Programme Offer? The programme combines financial support with professional development and international networking.

Selected participants receive:

- CHF 6,000 financial support. - One year of online coaching from international experts. - Input talks on project development. - Guidance on business strategy. - Financial planning and management insights. - Marketing and public relations guidance. - Pitch training. - Curated matchmaking opportunities. - Access to international trade fairs. - Opportunities to connect with publishers and investors. - Access to an international professional network. These opportunities are designed to help emerging developers improve both their games and their ability to present and develop projects within the international gaming industry. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to emerging game development talents with a connection to Switzerland. Applicants must meet the programme’s emerging talent requirements. Eligible applicants may include individuals who have completed relevant training or founders who have established a company as a legal entity less than seven years ago. Applicants must also hold the copyright and rights of use for the game project submitted to the programme. What Types of Games Are Eligible? Projects must be digital games developed for one or more supported platforms. Eligible projects include digital games for: - Computers. - Consoles. - Mobile devices. - Mixed reality devices. The project should have a high level of interaction and significant content impact. The programme is therefore intended for developers who are working on interactive digital game projects with substantial creative and content elements. What Does Emerging Talent Mean? Applicants must demonstrate that they qualify as emerging talents.

This can be established through either:

- Completion of relevant training. - Founding a company as a legal entity less than seven years ago. Applicants must provide proof of their emerging talent status as part of the application. Project Rights and Ownership Applicants must have the necessary rights to develop and use the project they submit.

In particular, applicants must hold:

- Copyright for the project. - Rights of use for the project. Applicants should therefore ensure that their ownership and usage rights are clearly established before submitting an application. What Should the Application Include? Applications must provide sufficient information about the game, the applicant, and the project’s development stage.

Applicants should include:

- A short description of the game. - Expectations and goals for participating in the programme. - A playable prototype. - CVs. - Proof of emerging talent status. - A press kit. The playable prototype is an important part of the application because the programme is focused on supporting developers in advancing an existing digital game project. Application Language Applications should be submitted in English. Applications may alternatively be submitted in: - German. - French. - Italian. Applicants should ensure that all required application materials are prepared in one of the accepted languages. How the Mentorship Can Support Game Developers The programme provides support beyond direct project funding. Through coaching and expert input, participants can strengthen their understanding of: - Game project development. - Business strategy. - Financial planning. - Marketing. - Public relations. - Pitching. - International industry opportunities. The programme also creates opportunities for developers to meet publishers, investors, and other professionals who can contribute to the future development of their projects. International Networking and Trade Fairs International networking is an important part of the SwissGames Showcase Mentorship Programme. Participants can benefit from curated matchmaking and access to international trade fairs, helping them build connections with: - Publishers. - Investors. - Industry professionals. - International gaming networks. These opportunities can help emerging developers present their projects to relevant industr