Thinking about starting your own indie games studio?
Start your own indie games studio with Powerup subsidised studio space, mentoring and more.
At Powerup, we understand the challenges that aspiring studio owners face. But it's never been easier to bring your creative vision to life with a wraparound support programme valued at approximately £21,000 for our graduates.
What is Powerup?
Powerup is a unique initiative, providing everything you need to start your own studio including subsidised studio space, personalised mentoring, software grants, high spec hardware loan and industry support.
- Subsidised studio space: access fully equipped studio spaces in the Launchpad Incubator at a subsidised rate for 12 months (including utilities and internet access), making it affordable for you to focus on your creative work without the financial burden.
- Mentoring: benefit from 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with our carefully selected industry experts. Our mentors are here to guide you through every step of your journey, providing invaluable insights and advice to help your studio succeed.
- Workshop programme: studios are required to attend a minimum of six half day industry-led skills development workshops during the duration of the programme.
- Industry support: tap into our network of industry professionals and resources. Whether you need help with business development, marketing, or technical skills, we can help.
- Conference attendance: access travel, accommodation and coaching support to attend the Develop Conference in Brighton.
- Proven success: join the ranks of successful teams who have already benefited from our programme. Our first cohort has seen remarkable achievements, with several teams making significant strides in the industry.
Current Powerup teams:
Dink
Since joining the incubator, Dink have grown rapidly, working with some large clients such as the BBC and completing a contract for the third season of Lagging. They have also developed their own IP Dutch Maximus - Out of the Toy Box and HamStars: Battle Arena.
Observer Interactive
Observer Interactive have secured a publishing deal for their own IP Good Boy, which has been valued at £800k with one of the UKs leading publishers.
How to apply:
We are looking for three new teams to start in September 2024.
To apply, you are asked to provide a written application with:
- an introduction to the team and all skillsets
- the reason why you want to set up a studio
- an outline of the studio's aim and purpose (how they aim to make revenue)
- evidence of market research in your chosen genre or service area
- an overview of how you will stand out in a crowded marketplace.
You also need to send a two-minute pitch to impress the panel showing initial game ideas, a competent team leader and well-rounded team. Upload to YouTube and submit to l.dixon@tees.ac.uk alongside your written application.
