MGZstart 2027: founder grant for media and games startups in NRW
MGZstart 2027 gives media and games founders in North Rhine-Westphalia 12,000 euros and a one year training programme. Apply by 30 November 2026.
MGZstart 2027 is the founder grant of the Mediengründerzentrum NRW in Cologne. Selected founders receive 12,000 euros of starting capital and take part in a one year programme of seminars, coaching and network events. Over the year there are about 40 events.
The programme is open to founders and young media companies with their registered seat in North Rhine-Westphalia, and to people with a concrete startup idea for the media sector. Games are named as an eligible field, next to film, TV, animation, XR, content creation and AI with a media link. Single founders and teams can apply. If the company already exists, it must not be older than three years when the programme starts.
Apply through the online form linked on the MGZstart page. Upload one PDF that contains a pitch deck, a business plan and attachments such as a motivation letter and CV, in that order. The application phase runs from 14 October to 30 November 2026.
Shortlisted applicants hear in the second half of December 2026. They give a three minute pitch to a jury in Cologne on 12 January 2027 and get a decision the same week. The first seminar is on 28 and 29 January 2027. Seminars usually take place every week in Cologne, and the organiser asks for at least 20 hours a month for the programme.
The jury looks at the quality of the business idea, market potential, feasibility, knowledge of the sector, and the motivation of the team. An online information session takes place on 20 November 2026 at 16:00.
Quick answers
How is the money paid and what can it be used for?
It is usually paid every quarter during the programme year. It is meant for business costs such as hardware, software, office rent, marketing or trips to fairs and festivals, not for private costs.
Do I have to live in North Rhine-Westphalia?
No. The company's registered seat must be in North Rhine-Westphalia. Living there is an advantage but not a requirement.
Can I combine MGZstart with other funding?
Yes. The organiser says MGZstart can generally be combined with other funding programmes.