OctaNE CoE Aizawl - Gaming & Entertainment

Overview

OctaNE CoE Aizawl is a Centre of Excellence under the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), set up at STPI Aizawl in Mizoram with a domain focus on Gaming & Entertainment. It is part of STPI's larger OctaNE initiative — an internetworked cluster of eight CoEs across India's Northeast region designed to seed, nurture, and grow technology-led startups outside the traditional metro hubs.

The CoE was established under STPI's Guwahati Directorate to leverage local creative talent in animation, gaming, AR/VR, and digital entertainment, and to channel that talent into commercially viable startups. The total OctaNE program is funded with ₹68.76 crore (₹61.89 cr from MeitY + ₹6.87 cr from STPI).

Programs

OctaNE CoE Aizawl runs the flagship OctaNE Open Challenge Program (OCP) — a recurring cohort-based startup challenge that invites founders working on gaming, animation, VFX, AR/VR, esports, and digital entertainment products to apply. Selected startups are inducted into a structured incubation programme that combines technology infrastructure, mentoring, and direct seed funding.

What Startups Get

• Seed funding — direct grant support to selected startups
• State-of-the-art lab focused on gaming and entertainment tooling
• Plug-and-play incubation space with high-speed connectivity
• Cloud-based services and software stack access
• Mentoring from industry leaders — Pete Draper, CEO of Makuta Effects, serves as Chief Mentor for the Gaming & Entertainment CoE
• IPR support, marketing assistance, and demo-day connects with investors and corporates

Eligibility

Indian-registered startups working on products in the gaming, animation, AR/VR, esports, or broader digital entertainment domain. The program prioritises Northeast-based founders and teams looking to scale from the region.

Impact

Across all eight Northeast OctaNE CoEs, STPI has incubated 257+ startups, supported the development of 51 working prototypes, and helped commercialise 217 innovative products — making OctaNE one of the most active government-backed tech incubator networks in the Northeast.

Who Should Apply

Early-stage and idea-stage founders building in gaming, entertainment, animation, AR/VR, or content-tech, especially those based in or willing to relocate to Aizawl, Mizoram. The program is well-suited for technical founders looking for non-dilutive seed capital, incubation infrastructure, and access to a Northeast innovation network.