Arctic Game Incubator 2027
Welcome to the Arctic Game Incubator in Skellefteå – The launchpad for game and creative tech companies in Skellefteå.
/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skellefteasciencecity.se%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2025%2F08%2Fag-incubator2.jpg)
Are you building a game, a creative tech product or a studio that’s ready to grow? The Arctic Game Incubator helps ambitious teams in the Skellefteå region develop their product and business, and build companies that last.
During 2027 (January–December) you’ll work with people who’ve built games and companies themselves, alongside a community of founders on the same journey. The incubator is part of Creative Tech North.
Apply by 11 December 2026.
Who is this for?
Early-stage game and creative tech companies in the Skellefteå region that want to develop their product and business and grow their team. Whether your focus is building your studio or a specific game or product, there’s room for you here.
What we look for
Every application is read through four lenses:
- Your edge – what makes your game or product different, and why players or users will care
- Your market – who you’re building for, and a realistic way to reach them and make money
- Your team – the mix of skills, perspectives and drive to make it happen
- Your drive to grow – you’re here to build a company that lasts, grows and hires
How selection works
- Apply by 11 December 2026
- We read every application through the four lenses
- Up to six teams are invited to a public Q&A, where they pitch and answer questions from our jury
- We announce the incubator teams on Thursday 21 January 2027
Games and creative tech get better when the people making them are as varied as the people playing them. We especially want to hear from women and non-binary founders and from anyone who doesn’t usually see themselves in this industry.
What You Get
What you get is our time and know-how, shaped around what your team needs most:
- One-on-one coaching
- A weekly check-in
- Expert workshops on business models, marketing and production
- Pitch practice – and real feedback from publishers and investors
- Playtests with the local community
- A showcase in front of industry guests
- A desk in our shared studio space in Skellefteå
- Help getting the most out of industry events
- A spotlight in our social channels
- A crew of fellow founders to share wins, setbacks and shortcuts with
What you’ll gain
- A clearer, validated game or product and a plan for taking it to market
- A stronger business: model, structure and next steps
- A pitch ready for publishers, investors or players
- A wider network in the games and creative tech industry
Timeline och requirements
Timeline
- Applications open: now
- Last day to apply: 11 December 2026
- Jury selection: December – early January
- Public Q&A with up to six teams: TBD
- Incubator teams announced: Thursday 21 January 2027
- The incubator runs: January–December 2027
Requirements
- A Swedish company (AB), or one on its way, based in Skellefteå
- At least one person on the team who can make the program a real priority: coaching, check-ins and workshops
- Time on-site with us in Skellefteå once a week
- A pitch, a demo or a playable prototype to show us
- A check-in with us a year after the program, so we can learn what worked
No company yet? No worries, get in touch and we’ll point you to our pre-incubation and open activities.
Contact
Business Development Manager
/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skellefteasciencecity.se%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2024%2F10%2FTim_Leinert_600x600.jpg)
Business Development Manager
/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skellefteasciencecity.se%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F10%2FAnna_DC1x1.jpg){kind=spacer}
FAQ
- We’ve already got something playable, is it too late for us? Not at all. We work with teams at every stage, from a first prototype to a game or product that’s already out.
- How much time does it take? Plan for at least one person working 50 % or more on the company, and about one day a week with us on-site in Skellefteå for coaching, check-ins and workshops.
- Is there direct funding? No direct funding. What you get is our time and know-how, coaching and guidance shaped around what your team needs. Formally, the support counts as de minimis aid to your company, which is why we ask a few company questions when you apply.
- We don’t have a company yet, can we apply? You need a registered company, or the intent to start one, to join the incubator. If you’re not there yet, get in touch and we’ll point you to our pre-incubation and open activities.
- We’re not sure what makes our game or product unique, should we still apply? Absolutely. Finding your edge is part of the journey, that’s exactly what we’ll dig into together.
- Can I apply as a solo developer? Yes, plenty of studios started as one person with a big idea. Just know that we’re here to build companies that will hire, so teams usually have the stronger case.
- We’re building a creative tech product, not a game, is this for us? Yes. The incubator is for both game and creative tech companies.
- What happens after I apply? Our jury reviews all applications after 11 December. Up to six teams are invited to a public Q&A, where they pitch and answer questions. We announce the incubator teams on Thursday 21 January 2027.
More questions? Please contact Tim Leinert at tim@arcticgame.se.