An amazing new opportunity has been announced for early-stage games founders as Dundee-based GameSpace launches its ‘Levelling-Up’ Global Success Startup Programme.
This new, community-first accelerator is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Regional TechBooster fund. It offers a comprehensive, free programme of support for Scottish games and games-adjacent founders, set to run from November 2025 to March 2026.
However, the window for applications is extremely tight. Founders wishing to apply must do so by 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.
This is an incredibly short turnaround, and the Scottish Games Network strongly encourages all eligible studios and founders to review the programme details and submit their applications immediately.
What is the ‘Levelling-Up’ Programme?
The GameSpace programme is designed to build sustainable studios through shared learning, collaboration, and peer support. Successful applicants will join a Scottish cohort for a programme that includes:
- Community-First Support: Monthly meetups, peer-to-peer learning, and an active digital hub (including a gather.town space).
- Practical Growth Workshops: Five hands-on workshops covering vital topics such as ethics, leadership, marketing, competition, and purposeful pitching.
- Expert Guidance: Access to 1-to-1 mentoring, time with senior advisers, and specific industry talks.
- Showcase Opportunity: A final showcase event in Dundee in March 2026 to demonstrate your progress.
- Travel Support: Funding will be offered to founders travelling from outside the Dundee region to attend the in-person sessions, ensuring wider access.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to Scotland-based founders (from pre-startups to companies established for up to 5 years) in the games and games-adjacent sectors. The team is also especially welcoming applications from under-represented founders who value collaboration.
This focus on “games-adjacent” business is particularly welcome, aligning perfectly with the ‘More Than Games’ philosophy that SGN has championed. It acknowledges that the skills and technology of game development have a far wider application and economic impact, beyond the consumer games market.
A Call for a Connected Ecosystem
The launch of a major, UK-funded accelerator in Dundee is a significant and positive development for the entire Scottish ecosystem. It arrives at a time of exciting growth for industry support, complementing the new SGDA Games Accelerator for developers and SGN’s own ‘Hello World!’ education programme, which is focused on building the pre-university talent pipeline.
This creates a powerful opportunity – and a clear need – for collaboration. The leadership behind GameSpace, the SGDA, and the Scottish Games Network must work together in the coming months. We must ensure that all three programmes are aligned, complementary, and provide a clear, supportive, and non-confusing pathway for founders at every stage of their journey.
This is a new and exciting organisation, and we’re aware the community is keen to know more about GameSpace, its origins and long-term plans. SGN is already in the process of approaching the GameSpace team for a more in-depth interview to share with the community.
But for now, the priority is the deadline…
Apply To GameSpace Levelling-Up Global Success Startup Programme.
We urge all eligible founders, studios, and games-adjacent companies to read the full details and apply. This is a valuable opportunity to get high-level support to build and grow your venture.
Don’t hang about! Applications close at 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.
Apply now: https://www.gamespace.org.uk/levelling-up