Applications are open for Screen Australia’s annual Future Leaders Delegation. Designed to support early-to-mid career gamemakers, this program will fund eight individuals to attend the 2026 BitSummit in Kyoto (22-24 May 2026) with $6,000 each.

2025 Future Leaders Delegation (L-R): Joel Davison, Heidi Borge, Chantel Eagle, Amber Stacey, Lindsay Mansfield, Neema Iyer and Edwin Montgomery.



Why BitSummit 2026? 

Japan’s largest independent games festival, BitSummit, is a key Asia-Pacific industry event for independent game making. A celebration of games culture, BitSummit brings the community together with a key focus on highlighting independent creators. Successful Future Leaders Delegation applicants will connect with established creators, developers and key industry leaders, as well as attend keynote addresses and gain valuable insight into the industry. In addition, delegates will also have the opportunity to present their games as part of the Australia stand at the summit.  



AVAILABLE SUPPORT 

Screen Australia will provide successful applicants with up to $6,000 to put towards flights, accommodation, meals, and event tickets, plus pre-departure and on-the-ground support through a mix of workshops, presentations, mentoring and networking opportunities. 


To be eligible, applicants must: 




Have released and/or published at least one game on a public platform (e.g. on Steam, itch.io, etc.) 
Be actively working on at least one game (for company delegates, this must be a company game) that is or will be ready for public showcasing by the event dates.
Be available to attend BitSummit 2026 (22–24 May 2026 and travel dates around these) and to participate in a pre-departure workshop in late April 2026 in Melbourne (domestic travel costs will be covered for successful delegates).
Must not have participated in a previous Future Leaders Delegation initiative.

 

Gamemakers from under-represented backgrounds and communities are encouraged to apply. 



IMPORTANT DATES 

Applications open 23 September 2025 and will close

13 November 2025 – 5.00pm AEDT. 


Don’t miss this unique opportunity to take your career to the next level and make valuable connections in the global games industry. For more information on eligibility and application details, click here. 


For any questions, please email [email protected] or call Program Operations on 1800 507 901.  


Apply now and get ready to make your mark at BitSummit 2026!Â