- The Partnership: Gyeongsangnam-do Province collaborates with industry giant Com2uS Holdings for intensive mentorship.
- The Fund: A total of 250 million KRW is allocated for production support, with up to 40 million KRW per company.
- The Goal: Bridging the gap between local development and global publishing through “real-world” business training.
- The Deadline: Applications are open until April 6, 2026, via the e-Naradoum portal.
Gyeongsangnam-do is officially launching the “2026 Next-Generation Sprout Indie Game Discovery Project,” a strategic initiative designed to transform local indie startups into global players. Unlike traditional subsidy programs, this project focuses on a hands-on, industry-led growth model.
From Local Prototypes to Global Hits
The province has recognized that while regional talent is abundant, a lack of infrastructure often hinders long-term growth. To solve this, the Gyeongnam Cultural Art Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Com2uS Holdings—a KOSDAQ-listed industry veteran—to provide high-level business expertise.
Selected companies will receive:
- 1:1 Intensive Mentoring: At least 8 in-person and online sessions covering platform launches, global marketing, and service operations (publishing).
- Strategic Production Grants: Direct financial aid to refine game builds and prepare them for market entry.
- Networking & Investment: IR (Investor Relations) sessions held in the Seoul metropolitan area to connect local developers with major publishers and venture capitalists.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
“This project goes beyond simple production aid; it provides a real bridge to larger markets through collaboration with established game giants,” said Jeong Young-cheol, Director of the Culture and Sports Bureau of Gyeongsangnam-do. “We aim to expand the horizons of the regional game industry by nurturing these ‘sprouts’ into resilient leaders.”
Quick Specification: 2026 Sprout Indie Project
| Category | Details |
| Organizer | Gyeongsangnam-do Province / Gyeongnam Cultural Art Foundation |
| Lead Partner | Com2uS Holdings |
| Total Grants | 250 Million KRW (Max 40M KRW per team) |
| Selected Teams | 8 Companies/Individuals |
| Mentoring Focus | Publishing, UA Marketing, Global Operations |
| Application Portal | e-Naradoum (gosims.go.kr) |
How to Apply
Prospective applicants must submit their proposals online through the e-Naradoum system. The deadline is April 6, 2026. This is a rare opportunity for developers outside of Seoul to gain direct access to the operational “playbook” of a major game publisher.
