NOVA Games Foundation 2027: $100,000 Fellows Grants for Graduates of 13 Partner Universities
The NOVA Games Foundation has announced its first NOVA Fellows Program for emerging game creators, with applications scheduled from 7 December 2026 through 10 January 2027. Each selected Fellow receives US$100,000 of philanthropic project funding, along with mentoring and professional visibility. This is not an unrestricted worldwide competition: eligibility is tied to a bachelor's or master's degree from a designated game-related programme at one of NOVA's 13 partner universities.
Who qualifies for the inaugural 2027 round?
Applicants must have graduated, or expect to graduate, between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2027 from an eligible programme. The official university list includes Abertay, Carnegie Mellon Entertainment Technology Center, Cnam-Enjmin, DigiPen's Redmond campus, NYU Game Center, RMIT, Sheridan, TH Köln Cologne Game Lab, U-tad, University of Central Florida, USC, University of Utah and Uppsala University. Not every degree offered by these universities qualifies: applicants must use NOVA's programme-by-programme eligibility checker.
The application must be made by an individual who will lead development of an original new game. Projects that are already underway, including an existing student prototype, are not eligible under the foundation's FAQ. Applicants may choose one idea and may not file multiple submissions.
Funding, rights and selection
The initial US$100,000 is a non-dilutive grant, disbursed against agreed development milestones rather than paid as an unconditional upfront prize. NOVA takes no ownership, equity or revenue share, and creators retain their intellectual property and creative control. Fellows who later demonstrate exceptional progress may apply for a separate US$500,000 Luminary Grant; this additional amount is not guaranteed.
After the 10 January deadline, NOVA plans to identify 50 finalists in February and announce Fellows by the end of March 2027. Grant-supported work typically runs for 6–12 months, moving from original concept toward a playable prototype.
Documents to prepare
An 8–10-page original game concept with a distinctive artistic or cultural vision.
An execution plan outlining the prototype timeline and considered use of the grant.
A faculty recommendation addressing the applicant's creative abilities.
A 2–3-minute personal statement video and a link to their portfolio.
Why the organiser is notable
The NOVA Games Foundation is a newly established independent nonprofit founded by game industry figures Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley. Its goal is to support games as a creative and cultural medium, not merely back commercial pitches. The 13-university requirement, published graduation window and explicit intellectual-property terms are essential checks for anyone evaluating this opportunity.
Official requirements and application
NOVA Fellows Program: https://novagamesfoundation.org/fellows-program
Full FAQs and funding terms: https://novagamesfoundation.org/faqs
Eligible university programmes: https://novagamesfoundation.org/eligibility
Reviewed 23 October 2026. APPLICATIONS NOT YET OPEN: 7 December 2026–10 January 2027. Exact rules can change before launch; follow the organiser's final submission guidance.