Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The KickStart Funding Programme in Aotearoa New Zealand provides financial support of $10,000–$60,000 for commercially-oriented digital interactive game projects.
The programme aims to strengthen the local game development ecosystem by supporting developers, offering professional recognition, and fostering the creation of saleable digital games for entertainment, health, or educational purposes.
Overview
The KickStart Funding Programme is designed to promote game development and strengthen the game development ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It provides financial support to eligible individuals, groups, and businesses creating digital interactive games with clear commercial outcomes.
Programme Objectives
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Support game projects with commercial intent
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Encourage innovation in entertainment, health, education, and serious games
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Provide funding, recognition, and professional guidance to game developers
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Strengthen the Aotearoa New Zealand game development ecosystem
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Enable developers to bring commercially viable games to market
Funding Details
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Grant range: $10,000 to $60,000 per project
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Funding is released only after successful assessment
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Unallocated funds may be carried forward to future rounds
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Final decisions are made by the CODE Board and are binding on all applicants
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be based in Aotearoa New Zealand
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Be individuals aged 18+, groups of individuals, or incorporated business entities
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Not be insolvent, bankrupt, or have undisclosed conflicts of interest
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Conduct all project work within Aotearoa New Zealand
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Aim for commercially saleable outcomes
Special eligibility notes:
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Hobbyists, first-time developers, or undergraduate course projects are generally not supported
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Undergraduate students may participate with written permission from their institution and approval from CODE
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Projects must be commercially viable and professionally structured
How to Apply
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Provide project details and commercial intent
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Assessment by Expert Panel: EOIs are reviewed by a panel of industry experts
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Full Application: Eligible applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal
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Final Funding Decision: The CODE Board reviews and approves successful projects
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Project Execution: Grant funds are released for development within Aotearoa New Zealand
Focus Areas
Eligible game projects include:
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Entertainment-focused digital games
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Educational or serious games addressing health, learning, or social impact
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Interactive digital experiences with commercial sales potential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting hobby or non-commercial projects
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Proposing undergraduate course projects without required permissions
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Failing to demonstrate commercial viability
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Not conducting the project work within Aotearoa New Zealand
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Omitting disclosure of conflicts of interest or financial issues
Why It Matters
The KickStart Funding Programme is essential for fostering a professional, innovative, and commercially sustainable game development ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand.
By supporting commercially viable games, it encourages creative entrepreneurship, strengthens local talent, and contributes to economic growth in the digital games sector.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for KickStart funding?
Individuals aged 18+, groups of developers, or incorporated business entities based in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2. What types of projects are eligible?
Digital interactive games with commercial outcomes for entertainment, health, or education.
3. How much funding is available per project?
Grants range from $10,000 to $60,000.
4. Can hobbyists or first-time developers apply?
Generally no, except in exceptional circumstances approved by CODE.
5. Can undergraduate students participate?
Yes, with written permission from their institution and CODE approval.
6. Where must the project work be conducted?
All project development work must take place within Aotearoa New Zealand.
7. Who makes the final funding decision?
The CODE Board reviews all applications and makes binding funding decisions.
Conclusion
The KickStart Funding Programme offers game developers in Aotearoa New Zealand a unique opportunity to secure financial support, professional recognition, and expert guidance.
By funding commercially viable digital games, the initiative helps strengthen the local game development ecosystem and brings innovative, market-ready games to national and international audiences.
For more information, visit CODE.
