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2025\u00a0Future Leaders Delegation (L-R):\u00a0Joel Davison, Heidi Borge, Chantel Eagle, Amber Stacey, Lindsay Mansfield, Neema Iyer\u00a0and Edwin Montgomery.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Applications are open for Screen Australia\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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2025\u00a0Future Leaders Delegation (L-R):\u00a0Joel Davison, Heidi Borge, Chantel Eagle, Amber Stacey, Lindsay Mansfield, Neema Iyer\u00a0and Edwin Montgomery.<\/p>\n
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\nWhy BitSummit 2026?\u00a0
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Japan\u2019s 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\nAVAILABLE SUPPORT\u00a0
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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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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To be eligible, applicants must:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\n\tHave released and\/or published at least one game on a public platform (e.g. on Steam, itch.io, etc.)\u00a0
\n\tBe 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.
\n\tBe available to attend BitSummit 2026 (22\u201324 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).
\n\tMust not have participated in a previous Future Leaders Delegation initiative.
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Gamemakers from under-represented backgrounds and communities are encouraged to apply.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\nIMPORTANT DATES\u00a0
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Applications open 23 September\u00a02025 and will close
\n13 November\u00a02025 \u2013 5.00pm AEDT.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t 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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For any questions, please email [email\u00a0protected]<\/a> or call Program Operations on 1800 507 901.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Apply now and get ready to make your mark at BitSummit 2026!\u00a0<\/p>\n
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