Supercell AI Lab: Applications open for spring 2026 cohort, San Francisco, Helsinki and Tokyo
The new cohort will operate across three international hubs: San Francisco, Helsinki and Tokyo. The AI Lab is an 9 week incubator program.
Supercell has opened applications for the Spring 2026 cohort of its AI Innovation Lab, a global, nine-week program designed for founders and builders working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming. The new cohort will operate across three international hubs: San Francisco, Helsinki, and Tokyo, reinforcing Supercell’s commitment to supporting next-generation AI-driven entertainment products.
The AI Lab is an 9 week incubator program where founders build novel AI x gaming products with Supercell’s support, culminating in an internal Demo Day to Supercell. Selected teams will have opportunities to continue partnering closely with Supercell after the conclusion of the batch.
The Supercell AI Lab is positioned as a hands-on innovation environment for ambitious builders ready to turn high-conviction ideas into breakthrough AI gaming and entertainment products. Rather than functioning as a traditional accelerator, the Lab focuses on deep product execution, creative experimentation, and close collaboration with experienced game developers and AI practitioners.
A Global Lab for AI x Games Builders
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The Spring 2026 program will run for nine weeks and includes office space, tools, hardware, housing support, and a one-week global kickoff at Arctic Buildcamp in Finnish Lapland. Participants will work alongside a curated, international cohort of AI x Games builders, supported by world-class mentors from the gaming industry.
Throughout the program, teams will develop their projects with the opportunity to demo directly at Supercell’s headquarters in Finland during the final showcase. Selected participants may be invited to continue into a new games incubator, with the potential to become a full Supercell game team, receive investment, or join the company as new hires.
Participation in the AI Lab is free of charge, and Supercell does not take equity. Teams retain full ownership of their projects, with no obligation to accept investment or employment offers.
Who should apply
The program is aimed at ambitious, creative builders with a strong sense of ownership and a clear project or high-clarity vision with breakthrough potential. Applications are open to individuals or teams of up to three people, and projects may be at various stages, provided teams are ready to execute when the program begins.
Physical presence for the entire duration of the program is mandatory at the selected hub:
- San Francisco: Open to builders with valid U.S. work authorization
- Tokyo: Open to Japanese tax residents with the legal right to work as contractors
- Helsinki: Open to EU or UK residents
Key Dates - Spring 2026
- January 22, 2026: Applications open
- February 22, 2026: Applications close
- March 23, 2026: Lab kickoff at Arctic Buildcamp (Lapland, Finland)
- May 23, 2026: Final Showcase at Supercell HQ
A fast track via Global AI Game Hack
Ahead of the Lab, Supercell will host the Global AI Game Hack from February 6-8, 2026, a worldwide, two-day hackathon bringing together game developers, AI builders, and gamers to explore new forms of play powered by generative AI. Participants can join remotely or on-site at Supercell offices in Helsinki, London, San Francisco, or Tokyo.
Top-performing teams from each challenge will receive direct access to the interview phase of the Supercell AI Lab Spring 2026 application process.
Building the future of play
With the launch of the Spring 2026 cohort, Supercell reinforces its belief that the next major shift in gaming and entertainment will be driven by builders willing to challenge conventions and explore new forms of AI-powered interaction. The AI Innovation Lab offers a platform for those ready to move beyond experimentation and build the future of play at global scale.