Level Upstate is a year-long game development mentorship program. Accepted participants will spend twelve months working in person and remotely with a rotating team of mentors comprised of faculty in the Games and Experiential Media (GEM) Department at RPI and professional game developers and partners local to the Capital Region. In the process, participants will pitch, prototype, and playtest their primary projects while simultaneously working to refine their understanding of the market and specific business goals and strategies.
General Information and Requirements
Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 31st at 11:59pm
Decisions Announced: Monday, April 13 by 11:59pm
Program Start: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 9:00am
Program End: Sunday, May 2, 2027 at 11:59pm
Level Upstate is open to all residents of New York State or students, companies, and teams with significant business involvement in New York State. Participants can be at any stage in the game development process – they may be at the early concept stage, or have a product in development, or have released games already. We look for applicants with evidence of strong team dynamic and potential for success. Solo developer applications will also be considered.
Please note that participation this year will be limited to a maximum of four teams.
Participants Will Receive:
- Maximum of $25,000.00 per team.
- The stipend will be distributed throughout the year and tied to in-person expo-style events in Troy, NY. These events include the Rensselaer Games Showcase and GameFest at RPI, and Level Upstate's Pitch Day, which will be held at the conclusion of the program.
Participants will receive mentorship and support from GEM Department faculty with experience spanning a wide range of game development specialties, including narrative, technical and artistic backgrounds.
More information is forthcoming. Watch this space for updates.
More information is forthcoming. Watch this space for updates.
More information is forthcoming. Watch this space for updates.
Application Form
Please use the Google Form to submit your application.