This document contains the rules and regulations for the upcoming Gaming Startup Retreat. To participate in the program, you are advised to read and acknowledge the rules and regulations set forth in this document. It is equally advisable and highly recommended, that there is comprehension and compliance with the rules and regulations.

01. INTRODUCTION

1. This regulation establishes the access terms, rights and obligations of entrepreneurs and startups participating in the 2^nd edition of the Gaming Startup Retreat;
2. Gaming Startup Retreat is an acceleration program promoted by Startup Madeira in partnership with NOVA School of Business and Economics and within the scope of the eGames Lab consourtium and financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan;
3. The 2^nd edition of the Gaming Startup Retreat will take place in Madeira Island, from the 19^th of February to the 27^th of March;
4. The acceleration program aims at welcoming and working with 10 startups from the gaming & creative industries. Not only does it imply relocation during the time being, but also working and sharing business experience on Madeira Island.

02. DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF GAMING STARTUP RETREAT

1. Gaming Startup Retreat is an international acceleration program for startups connect to the areas of gaming, AR/VR and creative industries;
2. The acceleration program aims at helping each startup gain more knowledge, inspiration, and ideas, boosting their startup, as well as their networking;
3. With this program, not only will you be able to improve your company culture, but also enjoy leisure opportunities. The 6-week program has carefully planned networking events, training, workshops, leisure activities and gives you also the time to enjoy the beautiful Madeira Island;
4. The program’s network of partners, including entrepreneurs, companies, investors, universities, technological centers, public authorities, among others, offers significant advantages the participants.
5. This program’s mission is to also promote and place Portugal and Madeira Island as a world leading egames and creative industry player.
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03. ELIGIBILITY & CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

1. Participation is open to startups operating in the gaming, entertainment, and creative industries;
2. Registration is open to all male and female participants;
3. All Startups from the areas mentioned above, operating nationally and/or internationally can apply, but these need to be previously established and already functioning;
4. Startups operating in more than one market and that have active clients and/or users will be preferred. During registration, each startup must enumerate valid and objective reasons as for why they want to participate. It is advisable that these are compatible with the objectives and goals of the program and the Gaming Startup Retreat;
5. Startups that are not a part of the EU will need to get a Schengen Visa. If assistance is needed in the application for the 90-day-visa, the Gaming Startup Retreat’s organization will gladly assist you.
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Observation: Assistance can only be guaranteed after you application has been accepted.

   6. The 10 startups that will enroll in the Gaming Startup Retreat will be selected by a Jury, which consists of members from Startup Madeira, NOVA School of Business and Economics and the eGames Lab. The criteria are based on the aforementioned aspects and all decisions are binding and cannot be contested.

04. NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

The Gaming Startup Retreat expects to work with 10 startups. Each team can have between two and four members.

05. REGISTRATION

Registration for the Gaming Startup Retreat is done online, through a designated platform, from November 21^st, 2023, to January 7^th, 2024.
Observation: The deadline for registration is the 7^th of January 2024, at 23h59 (GMT)

06. DATES

Gaming Startup Retreat comprises 6 (six) phases:

1. Registration/Application period: between November 21^st 2023, and January 7^th, 2024, 23h59 (GMT)
2. Selection process: between the 8^th and the 11^th of January, 2024.
3. Communication of startups and participants: by 12^th January;
4. Support to Startups before arrival to Madeira (remote): between January 12^th and February 17^th, 2024;
5. Acceleration program (in Madeira): between February 19^th and March 27^th, 2024;
6. Demo day: March 27^th, 2024.
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07. TUITEN FEES AND EXPENSES

1. There are no tuition fees and no equity stake
2. Each startup team will be given a 2.500€ grant to cover relocation expenses to Madeira Island. These may include travel expenses, accommodation, meals, etc.
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The payment of the 2.500€ will be done in two phases:

• The 1st one (1250€) on February 19^th, 2024 (on arrival to Madeira Island)
• The 2nd one (1250€) on March 8^th, 2024

      3. Payments will only be processed after each startup hands in the respective invoices.

08. LOGISTICS & PLACE 

1. Fully equipped working office space will be provided to all participants

09. CHECK-IN

1. Respecting previously established check-in times and places is mandatory. All participants must arrive before or until the morning of the launch event on February 19^th, 2023, having to be present on the event.

10. AGENDA

Over a period of 6-weeks, startups will be analyzed and new ideas or suggestions will be given to their companies, products, services and markets.
Specific purposes and themes have been allotted to each week

• Week 1: Journey > Strategize your Path (Startup Assessment)
• Week 2: Fun > Polish your Product (Game Design & Business Models)
• Week 3: Players > Engage your Audience (Business Strategy, Community & Localization)
• Week 4: Expansion > Boost your Growth (Marketing, Opportunities & KPI’s)
• Week 5: Lead > Make an Impact (Game Connection and Team)
• Week 6: Pitch > Speak & Conquer (Pitch deck, Future & Demo Day)

In addition to mentoring and workshops, the 10 registered startups will have leisure activities at their disposal, as well as gathering needs moments at the end of each week.

Observation: The program will be held 100% in English.

11. RESERVED RIGHTS

On no account can the organization be held accountable for deliberate theft and innocent infringement of intellectual property or of aspects like the lack or originality and/or the publishing of ideas, projects and ideas.

For this reason, participants wanting to patent their business, ideas, projects, and concepts and/or register the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) of their ideas/business, are encouraged to do so at their own responsibility.

12. LIVING IN MADEIRA

The Gaming Startup Retreat will help each startup team relocate to Madeira between the 19^th of February until the 27^thof March. A list of suggested accommodations during the program for each startup will be provided by the organization. As soon as your registration is accepted, the organizations will kindly guide and assist you in the booking process.

While in Madeira, a local host will be assigned to help and support each startup team.

13. WITHDRAWAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

1. In the event of a withdrawal of a startup that had previously registered, a replacement startup will automatically be contacted. This chosen startup will be one from among the teams that registered but weren’t initially selected for the final 10;
2. The doubts that are raised in the application of this regulation will be resolved within the organization;
3. The organization may, at any time, make changes in this regulation, for reasons of force majeure that justify it;
4. On completion of the registration process and the application form for the Gaming Startup Retreat Program, all teams and startups hereby agree and accept the above-mentioned terms, rules, and conditions.
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Contact for information:

For more information, contact the Program organization at the email address info@gaming.startupmadeira.eu