Applications are open for the third cohort of the Exel Gaming Accelerator, a 16-week program designed to empower early-stage gaming startups to innovate, scale, and succeed. The accelerator supports companies looking to enter and grow within the Saudi Arabian gaming market, with a focus on mentorship, funding, and strategic guidance to help startups refine their products and prepare for market success. The program is open to startups in game development and gaming technology, with this cohort placing a strong emphasis on AI across development pipelines, go-to-market strategies, and commercialization.
Program Overview
• Program Duration: 16 weeks, including a 2-week virtual bootcamp and a 14-week in-person accelerator.
• Format: A milestone-driven, structured program combining virtual and in-person components in Riyadh.
• Focus: Supporting early-stage gaming startups across product development, market entry, and execution.
• Goal: Providing access to capital, experienced operators, and industry experts for startups aiming to grow within the Saudi gaming market.
What We Offer
• Investment: Selected startups receive up to $150,000 in cash investment and up to $150,000 in strategic in-kind support.
• Mentorship: Weekly guidance from experts in game monetization, commercialization, go-to-market strategy, development, and production. Each startup works with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR).
• Networking: Access to a global network of investors, publishers, gaming experts, and potential follow-on funding opportunities.
• Resources: In-kind support including access to mentors, workshops, corporate resources such as HR, finance, and legal support, office space, government relations support, and gaming-specific tools.
Program Stages
• Application and Selection: A structured selection process involving application submission, review, and approval for high-potential gaming startups.
• Virtual Bootcamp: A 2-week virtual phase for up to 50 companies, focused on skill-building, assessment, mentorship, and workshops.
• Acceleration Phase: 10–15 top-performing startups advance to a 14-week in-person program in Riyadh focused on scaling and growth.
• Demo Day: Startups showcase their progress to investors, publishers, and key stakeholders through live presentations and post-event promotion.
• Post-Program Support: Graduates receive continued access to mentorship, industry networks, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
• Stage: Early-stage startups in game development or gaming technology.
• Product: Startups must have a working product, playable build, vertical slice, or prototype.
• Team: Founders must be ready to commit full-time to execution and growth, with relevant experience in game development or related fields.
• Language: Proficiency in English is required to participate in mentorship sessions and workshops.
• Location: International startups must be prepared to relocate to Saudi Arabia for the 14-week acceleration phase. Local Saudi companies must have a valid Commercial Registration (CR).
Application and Selection Process
• Application Method: Applications are accepted through an online form. Shortlisted startups will be contacted by the Exel team.
• Evaluation Criteria: Applications are assessed based on innovation, team strength and capabilities, market potential and scalability, and existing traction or development progress.
Program Timeline
• Applications Open: April 2026
• Applications Close: May 21, 2026
• Virtual Bootcamp: June 2026
• In-Person Accelerator Program: August–November 2026
• Demo Day: November 2026
• Post-Program Support: 3 months following Demo Day
Key Program Features
• AI Focus: The third cohort includes specialized sessions designed to help startups leverage AI technologies in game development, go-to-market strategy, and scaling.
• Investor Access: The program is supported by Merak Capital, providing founders with direct access to a network of investors and industry leaders.
• Structured Support: The accelerator is delivered through guided phases, gaming-specific playbooks, and clear milestones to ensure outcome-driven progress.
• Strategic Alignment: The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy under Vision 2030, supporting the development of the local gaming ecosystem.
Program Track Record
• Applications: More than 5,000 applications received from over 74 countries across the first two cohorts.
• Startups Selected: 35 startups selected across previous cohorts, each receiving up to $300,000 in cash and in-kind support.
• Mentorship Network: More than 45 global experts engaged as mentors.
• Demo Day Attendance: More than 1,000 investors, partners, and government representatives attended Demo Day events.
The Exel Gaming Accelerator provides a structured pathway for early-stage gaming startups to accelerate their growth, access capital and mentorship, and establish a presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets. For further details, applicants can view a recording of a previous Q&A session or contact the program team directly by email.