Open call for the 2026 start-up class of the R42 Games Accelerator in Leipzig

What is the R42 Games Accelerator?

At the R42 Games Accelerator, you will complete a nine-month programme that is tailored to the needs and challenges of founders in the games and media industry, from onboarding to the final event.

Workshops, coaching and mentoring sessions will give you the perfect loadout for your start-up. The R42 Games Accelerator puts the pros of the gaming and media industry right by your side. The mentors and coaches are always ready to listen and offer you sound advice.

Interactive formats and networking events will help you reach the next level. During the programme, there are four Deep Dive Days with workshops and several coaching sessions, in which experts use various formats to impart knowledge on all topics that are important for your start-up: from basic knowledge about taxes to questions about founding a company and applying for funding to game design, pitches and marketing. Very important: the programme planning is individually tailored to the composition of the class and is not a standardised blueprint. This ensures that you get the maximum impact while promoting your personal growth.

How to apply

The first step is simply to fill out the form on the R42 website and attach your current pitch deck and a financing plan for the coming year. The final selection of start-ups will be made by a qualified jury, which will take into account criteria such as innovation content, team composition, market opportunities and compatibility with the R42 Games Accelerator. This year’s jury meeting will take place on 16 December.
Further information about the R42 Games Accelerator, the coaches and mentors, and R42 can be found here.

Image source: r42.gg / Gecko One GmbH