GameLAB will start again in January – apply for the program now
Applications to growth program for game companies can be submitted either individually or with a team. The application period is open until 23 November 2025.
The first phase of the Kajaani Game Catalyst growth program, GameLAB, will begin again in January 2026. The growth program supports the creation and development of new game companies in the Kainuu region.
– Our mentor network includes world-class experts and a proven coaching model that truly helps teams move forward, says Joonas Pylvinen, Project Manager at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences.
The three-phase program includes GameLAB for early-stage idea development, a game incubator preparing teams for entrepreneurship, and a business accelerator focusing on growth and funding. Kajaani Game Catalyst operates under the Kainuu GEMS project, co-funded by the European Union and the City of Kajaani, and coordinated by Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK).
– Kajaani Game Catalyst is a nationally significant initiative and possibly Finland’s largest program focused on developing game entrepreneurship. Already in its first year, it has brought a remarkable amount of private seed funding and new potential companies to Kainuu, continues Pylvinen.
Applications for GameLAB are now open, and you can apply until 23 November 2025.
– In the previous round, we received over 60 applications and selected five teams. Now we’re once again looking for new teams ready to grow into future game studios, says Pylvinen.
A year-long journey toward game entrepreneurship
GameLAB is a one-year program where participants learn game development and teamwork through hands-on experience. The goal is to publish a game and prepare for founding a company in Kainuu.
Applications are open to students, employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and jobseekers, either as a team or individually. Individual applicants can also be selected and matched with teams that need their specific skills. No company or business ID is required, but a basic understanding of game development is recommended. Applicants may be from outside Kainuu, as long as the registered office of the company will be located in Kainuu.
– The selection emphasizes experience, motivation, and team potential, though existing teams with a shared idea are given priority, tells Pylvinen.
The games created by the 2025 GameLAB teams will be showcased at the Game Entrepreneurship Night event
This year’s GameLAB teams will showcase their games and progress at the Game Entrepreneurship Night event on November 12, 6–9 PM at Kampuskeskus, Kampussydän (Ketunpolku 1B, Kajaani).
The evening offers networking opportunities, game demos, pizza, and insights into the GameLAB program. The event is free and open to everyone interested in games, startups, and entrepreneurship.
The goal of the Kainuu GEMS (Game Entrepreneurship Mentoring to Success) project is to create a pathway for developing growth entrepreneurship skills in the gaming industry in Kainuu, with the aim of establishing new growth-oriented game companies. The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Further information:
Project Manager Joonas Pylvinen, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, joonas.pylvinen@kamk.fi, tel. +358 40 048 8669
