Supercell has officially opened applications for its AI Innovation Lab, a nine-week program designed to support developers and founders working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming. The program aims to help participants turn early concepts into working game products, providing both mentorship and technical resources along the way.
Selected teams will work on-site at Supercell’s hubs in Helsinki, Tokyo, or San Francisco. The company provides office space, development tools, computing resources, mentorship, and housing support to facilitate an intensive development environment. The Spring 2026 cohort begins with a week-long Arctic build camp in Finnish Lapland. This first event is intended to help teams coordinate projects, establish collaboration, and refine prototypes before starting the main nine-week lab program.
Throughout the program, participants will have access to experienced game developers and AI specialists. They work on building AI-driven game projects with the guidance of mentors and support from a community of builders focused on practical applications of AI in games. The lab concludes with a showcase at Supercell’s headquarters in Finland. There, teams will present their projects to company leaders and industry experts.
Opportunities beyond the lab
Outstanding teams will be invited to continue their cooperation with Supercell through the new games incubator and will be offered the possibility of becoming a full Supercell games team. Additionally, depending on project performance and alignment with the studio’s strategic goals, participants may explore funding opportunities directly from Supercell or be considered for in-house employment.
Individuals or teams of up to three people who can commit to attending the entire program locally can apply. Consideration requires a clear project vision and the ability to execute it. The application deadline is February 22, 2026, and the program will run from March 23, 2026 to May 23, 2026.
Global AI Game Hack
Alongside the AI Innovation Lab, Supercell will host the Global AI Game Hack from February 6th to 8th. This hackathon is designed to give high-performing teams a quick opportunity to secure interviews into the lab. This event serves as an additional entry point for developers looking to leverage AI in game development.
Advances in AI in gaming
The AI Innovation Lab reflects the growing integration of AI technology in game development. Participants will explore applications such as procedural content creation, player behavior analysis, and real-time game balancing. Supercell aims to accelerate the creation of practical AI-driven gaming experiences through a combination of mentorship, technical resources, and structured development time.
Source: Pocket Gamer
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is Supercell AI Innovation Lab?
The AI Innovation Lab is a nine-week program for developers and founders working at the intersection of AI and gaming. We provide mentorship, resources, and workspace to help participants develop early-stage projects into working prototypes.
Where can I find the program?
Participants will work on-site in Helsinki, Tokyo, or San Francisco. The program begins with a week-long Arctic build camp in Finnish Lapland.
Who can apply?
Individuals or teams of up to three people with a clear project vision and ability to execute can apply. Full physical participation is required during the program.
When will the program run?
The Spring 2026 cohort will run from March 23 to May 23, 2026. Applications close on February 22, 2026.
Are there any opportunities outside of the lab?
Yes, great teams can be invited to join Supercell’s new games incubator, receive funding directly from the company, and be considered for employment.
What is Global AI Game Hack?
Global AI Game Hack is a three-day hackathon from February 6th to 8th that will give top teams a fast-track opportunity to interview for the AI Innovation Lab.
Does the lab focus on Web3 technologies?
Although this lab primarily focuses on AI-driven game development and is not explicitly Web3-centric, participants may explore AI applications in Web3 games if relevant to their own projects.
