India’s gaming ecosystem is getting a major boost with LVL Zero, a first-of-its-kind gaming incubator backed by MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and Chimera VC. Applications for the inaugural cohort open on Republic Day, January 26, 2026, offering 10 Indian gaming startups USD 10,000 each in equity-free grants and a transformative 100-day accelerator program.
LVL Zero Cohort: Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Pool | USD 100,000 (USD 10,000 per startup) |
| Selected Startups | 10 gaming companies |
| Application Period | January 26 – February 26, 2026 |
| Program Duration | 100-day sprint |
| Mentors | 10+ global and national experts |
| Eligibility | Indian gaming startups only |
| Apply At | www.lvlzero.xyz |
Equity-Free Support for Gaming Founders
LVL Zero targets startups building mid-core game studios, gaming infrastructure, AI-native tools, and growth platforms. The 100-day execution-first sprint focuses on accelerating product development, refining monetization strategies, and preparing teams for publishers and investors—without taking any equity.
“This cohort will help shape the benchmark for what an India-born, globally-ready gaming company should look like,” said Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at Chimera VC and Founding Partner at LVL Zero. The program addresses critical gaps between strong prototypes and scalable, globally viable businesses.
Three-Phase Journey to Market Readiness
Days 1-15 (Ignition Phase): Teams establish vision, define structures, and set clear OKRs for alignment.
Days 16-70 (Core Build Phase): Focus on building, testing, and iterating early product versions through community testing and feedback loops.
Days 71-100 (Orbit Ready Phase): Sharpen go-to-market strategies, business modeling, and pitch refinement for publishers and investors.
The journey culminates in Demo Day, where founders pitch to India’s leading VCs, angel investors, and publishers with live product demonstrations.
Addressing India’s Gaming Market Potential
India is projected to surpass 500 million gamers in 2025, with player spending crossing USD 1 billion the same year, according to Niko Partners. By 2028, spending could reach USD 1.5 billion, positioning India as Asia’s fastest-growing gaming market.
“India has no shortage of gaming talent, but the journey from prototype to scalable business is fragmented. LVL Zero helps founders close that gap,” commented Nitish Mittersain, Joint MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies.
Over five years, LVL Zero aims to support 100+ gaming startups, building a pipeline of globally competitive Indian gaming companies.
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