2026 Zagarolo Game City Acceleration Program (Italy)

The Zagarolo Game City Acceleration Program is an initiative of the Lazio Region, implemented through Lazio Innova, to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth in the video game industry. The programme provides game developers, startups, studios, and multidisciplinary teams with acceleration services, mentorship, technical resources, networking opportunities, and prizes, including a €40,000 cash grant and a 12-month mentoring programme.

The programme aims to strengthen the gaming ecosystem in the Lazio Region by helping participants design, prototype, validate, and prepare video game products for publication while connecting them with publishers, investors, and industry partners.

Overview

The Zagarolo Game City Acceleration Program supports the development of innovative video games and hybrid gaming experiences by providing participants with technical expertise, specialised training, mentoring, prototyping facilities, and business development support.

The initiative builds on previous successful programmes that have strengthened Lazio’s gaming ecosystem through training, pre-acceleration, entrepreneurship support, and international game design events.

Programme Objectives

Core Objectives

• Strengthen the Lazio video game ecosystem.
• Support innovation in game development.
• Promote entrepreneurship in the gaming sector.
• Help teams transform ideas into market-ready products.
• Encourage collaboration between developers, startups, publishers, and investors.
• Foster regional economic growth through the creative industries.

Programme Background

The programme builds upon previous Lazio Region initiatives, including:

• Zagarolo Game House pre-acceleration programme.
• International Conferences on Game Design – Zagarolo Game City.
• Regional initiatives funded under POR FESR Lazio 2014–2020.

Previous achievements include:

• More than 300 conference participants.
• 10 project partners.
• 25 game projects developed and validated.
• 8 startups established in the Lazio Region.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects involving:

• Video games.
• Hybrid games.
• Phygital experiences.
• Transmedia experiences.
• Gamified experiences.
• Immersive installations.
• Location-Based Experiences (LBX).
• Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPG) integrated with digital technologies.

Support Services

Participants receive support for:

Product Development

• Game concept refinement.
• Product validation.
• Prototype development.
• Vertical slice creation.
• Product engineering.

Technical Development

• Access to cutting-edge hardware.
• Access to specialised software.
• Game Factory facilities.
• Technical guidance.
• Product testing.

Business Development

• Market validation.
• Business planning.
• Investor readiness.
• Publisher meetings.
• Commercial partnerships.

Skills Development

Training covers:

• Game design.
• Programming.
• Production management.
• Technical development.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Business strategy.
• Soft skills.
• Project management.

Who Can Apply?

Informal Teams

Eligible teams must:

• Be developing a video game or hybrid gaming project.
• Include at least three members.
• Possess at least two of the following competencies:
  • Game Developer
  • Game Designer
  • Artist

Startups and Development Studios

Applicants must:

• Be actively developing a video game or hybrid gaming product.
• Participate with a project team of at least three members.
• Include at least two of the following professional roles:
  • Programmer
  • Game Designer
  • Art Director or 2D/3D Generalist
  • Producer

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Submit only one proposal.
• Apply for only one product type.
• Ensure team members participate in only one application.
• Develop an eligible gaming or hybrid gaming project.

Programme Structure

Acceleration Programme

Successful applicants participate in:

• Up to 20 specialised training sessions.
• Industry-specific workshops.
• Technical mentoring.
• Business mentoring.
• Individual coaching.
• Product validation.
• Meetings with publishers.

Training is delivered through:

• Classroom sessions.
• Individual mentorship.
• In-person activities at Spazio Attivo LOIC Zagarolo.
• Other Lazio Innova regional locations.

Access to Regional Facilities

Participants receive free access to:

• Regional FabLab network.
• Collaborative workspaces.
• Prototype development services.
• Engineering support.
• Active Space innovation network.

Funding and Awards

Lazio Innova Prize

Selected participants may receive:

• €40,000 cash grant
• 12-month mentoring programme
• Specialist business services valued at €9,000

Partner Awards

Programme partners may also provide:

• Additional financial prizes.
• Technical support.
• Business opportunities.
• Industry partnerships.
• Micro Challenges based on emerging industry trends.

Partner prizes are:

• Awarded independently.
• Available only to projects reaching Phase 2.
• Cumulative with the Lazio Innova prize if selected by both.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to:

• Develop market-ready games.
• Support prototype creation.
• Strengthen gaming startups.
• Increase commercialisation opportunities.
• Build partnerships with publishers.
• Improve investment readiness.
• Grow the Lazio gaming ecosystem.

Why This Programme Matters

Supports Game Innovation

The programme helps transform creative ideas into commercially viable products.

Builds Technical Skills

Participants gain advanced knowledge in game development, production, and business management.

Encourages Entrepreneurship

The initiative supports startup creation and sustainable business growth.

Expands Industry Networks

Developers gain access to publishers, investors, mentors, and experienced industry professionals.

How to Apply

Step 1

Confirm that your team or company meets the eligibility requirements.

Step 2

Develop a proposal for one eligible video game or hybrid gaming project.

Step 3

Assemble a multidisciplinary project team with the required professional skills.

Step 4

Prepare project documentation describing the concept, development stage, innovation, and market potential.

Step 5

Submit only one application for one project.

Step 6

If selected, participate in the acceleration programme, mentorship sessions, and product development activities.

Step 7

Present your prototype to publishers, investors, and programme partners during the acceleration process.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate clear market potential.
• Present an innovative gameplay concept.
• Build a balanced multidisciplinary team.
• Highlight technical expertise.
• Show a realistic development roadmap.
• Explain the commercial opportunity.
• Demonstrate commitment to completing the acceleration programme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting more than one proposal.
• Including team members in multiple applications.
• Applying without the required team composition.
• Presenting an unclear product vision.
• Failing to demonstrate technical feasibility.
• Ignoring market validation opportunities.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Zagarolo Game City Acceleration Program?

It is a Lazio Region acceleration programme supporting video game developers, startups, studios, and multidisciplinary teams through training, mentorship, prototyping, and business development.

Who can apply?

Informal teams, startups, and development studios working on video games or hybrid gaming experiences.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects involving video games, phygital experiences, transmedia experiences, gamified experiences, immersive installations, LBX, and digitally integrated TTRPGs.

What funding is available?

Selected participants may receive a €40,000 cash grant, a 12-month mentoring programme, and specialised business support worth €9,000.

How long is the acceleration programme?

Participants receive up to 20 training and mentorship sessions, alongside ongoing technical and business support.

Can participants receive additional prizes?

Yes. Programme partners may independently award additional prizes to selected Phase 2 participants. These prizes can be combined with the Lazio Innova award.

What facilities are available during the programme?

Participants receive access to FabLabs, collaborative workspaces, prototyping services, engineering support, and the regional Active Space innovation network.

Conclusion

The Zagarolo Game City Acceleration Program offers game developers, startups, and creative teams an opportunity to transform innovative gaming concepts into market-ready products through expert mentorship, technical resources, business development support, and financial incentives. By strengthening the Lazio gaming ecosystem and connecting participants with publishers, investors, and industry experts, the programme helps accelerate the growth of innovative video game businesses and creative talent.