Apply Now: Business & Tech Acceleration Program 2025 for Gaming Startups

Application Deadline: August 7, 2025

The Italian Innovation Factory, in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II and Cefriel, is inviting applications from innovative gaming and immersive technology startups for its Business & Tech Acceleration Program 2025. This opportunity is part of the broader Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti “Infiniti Mondi – Naples Innovation City”, a forward-thinking initiative funded by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy and promoted by the Municipality of Naples.

This fully-funded program is designed to empower 10 selected startups or SMEs, either Italian or international, working in the gaming, VR, AR, MR, or Web 3.0 space.

Why You Should Apply

This acceleration program offers both financial and non-financial support worth €23,000 for each participant. The selected startups will receive a €5,000 grant upon program completion, alongside access to advanced training, technical labs, mentorship, and business support.

If you’re working at the intersection of gaming, digital storytelling, immersive tech, and innovation, this program is tailored for you.

Program Structure

The program will run from September 8 to November 21, 2025, and is delivered entirely in English. It includes three strategic training modules designed to develop both technical and business capabilities:

Module 1: ArTech (144 Hours)

Gain hands-on experience in:

Game design and storytelling
Unity development
AI and algorithm application
Immersive technologies (VR, AR, MR)
UI/UX design and optimization

This module equips participants with practical game development skills from beginner to advanced levels.

Module 2: Business Setups (64 Hours)

Learn how to build a scalable business model with training on:

Business design and value proposition
Strategic networking and partnerships
Finance: traditional, subsidized, and risk-based funding

Module 3: Collaborative Case Study (16 Hours)

Participate in a live business development lab where teams work on:

Product and brand development
Go-to-market strategies
Final pitch presentation with expert feedback

Additional Benefits

As part of Casa delle Tecnologie Emergenti (CTE Napoli), selected startups will also enjoy:

Free access to advanced technology labs for prototyping and testing in Gaming, Metaverse, Web 3.0, and Digital Storytelling
Participation in upskilling and reskilling programs to become future-ready professionals such as developers, designers, and tech innovators
Involvement in Open Innovation activities that connect startups with industry experts, public stakeholders, and potential investors
Exclusive access to CTE Metalab, a creative hub for interdisciplinary collaboration among artists, technologists, and researchers

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Who Can Apply?

The program is open to a maximum of 10 startups or SMEs from Italy or abroad that:

Operate in gaming, immersive experiences, or Web 3.0
Have a high potential for innovation and scalability
Are looking to grow internationally through strategic training, mentorship, and financial support

This opportunity is ideal for forward-thinking startups ready to shape the future of interactive media and gaming.

Important Dates

Deadline to Apply: August 7, 2025
Program Start: September 8, 2025
Program End: November 21, 2025

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to accelerate your gaming startup with expert-led training, funding, and global exposure.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE