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Built by Experts. Backed by Giants.

At ELEVATE AI, mentorship isn’t an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone of our program.

Our top-notch Mentors

Our mentors are AI scientists, gaming executives, serial entrepreneurs, product visionaries, and investors who’ve built and scaled companies at the intersection of technology and entertainment.


They’ve launched category-defining games, led innovation at global studios, advised government bodies on AI strategy, and brought deep tech products to market at scale.

What Makes Our Mentor Network Exceptional?

Deep Gaming Industry Experience

From AAA studios to real-money platforms, our mentors understand what it takes to ship, scale, and succeed in the gaming world.



World-Class AI Expertise

You’ll work with AI researchers and engineers who’ve built neural networks, deployed autonomous systems, and published breakthrough work in applied machine learning.

Strategic Business Minds

Our advisors include investors, policy experts, and founders who’ve raised capital, navigated exits, and scaled across international markets.

Hands-On and Connected

Mentors don’t just show up for Demo Day. They’re active, accessible, and committed to helping you avoid mistakes, make the right calls, and seize real opportunities.

Mentorship That Moves the Needle

Every startup in the ELEVATE AI program is matched with mentors tailored to their product, market, and growth challenges. From technical deep-dives to go-to-market strategy and pitch refinement, you’ll get:


  • Personalised 1:1 mentor sessions
  • Monthly roundtables and feedback forums
  • Access to extended mentor network for domain-specific input
  • Ongoing support beyond the program


When you’re building at the frontier of AI and gaming, the right guidance is priceless.

Our mentors give you more than advice—they give you an edge.

 

What makes us special

Your unique vision drives our services, shaping tailored solutions for your startup's success.

Learning community
World-class skills
Quick route to Market
Growth as main Metric
 

Frequently asked questions

Because we offer what no other accelerator does:

Proven, tailored, and connected acceleration within the AI x Gaming intersection.


  • Exclusive Focus – You won’t be competing for attention with eCommerce, fintech, or SaaS startups. We exist for you.
  • Elite Mentorship – From AI researchers to ex-iGaming executives and platform CTOs—our mentors understand your market and your tech.
  • Real Commercial Pathways – Through our corporate challenges and strategic partners, you’ll be solving real problems for real businesses from day one.
  • Institutional Backing – We are supported by public and private partners who are invested in Malta becoming a global hub for AI and gaming.
  • €100,000 Strategic Investment – With optional equity or convertible terms, we support early traction without boxing you into a one-size-fits-all deal.

We believe the onboarding experience sets the tone for the entire journey. Here’s how it works:


  • Apply with a business plan, demo (if available), and team bios.
  • Interview Stage – You’ll speak with members of our core team and mentors to assess fit and ambition.
  • Final Selection – The best startups are welcomed into the cohort.
  • Program Kickoff – We begin with orientation and the first series of masterclasses.


From Day 1, you’re plugged into a network, given a roadmap, and matched with mentors tailored to your exact challenges.

Yes and no.

Yes, because we’ve built a step-by-step framework that simplifies complex growth stages: AI dev, integration with gaming platforms, fundraising, and go-to-market.

No, because founding an AI startup in iGaming isn’t easy. It’s a high-barrier industry. But that’s why we exist, to give you unfair advantages others won’t.

We remove friction and provide tools, guidance, and exposure to help you reach market fit faster and more effectively.


Here’s the breakdown of your acceleration arc:


📘 Month 1–2: Foundations


  • AI mechanics, market dynamics, and business strategy
  • Mentor assignments and technical validation


🧪 Month 3–4: Build & Iterate

  • Corporate challenges from real gaming businesses
  • Access to funding, grants, and partner feedback


🎯 Month 5: Market Fit & Metrics

  • Refine GTM strategy, user acquisition, monetisation
  • Internal pitch rounds with advisors and investors


🚀 Month 6: Demo Day

  • Showcase your startup to VCs, operators, and strategic partners


Not at all.

ELEVATE AI is remote-friendly, and we welcome global founders. That said, we highly recommend attending key sessions in person in Malta, home to a vibrant gaming industry and an emerging AI innovation hub.


We’re looking for ambitious AI founders building solutions that can revolutionise the gaming industry in one or more of these areas:


  • Game Personalisation & Player Intelligence
  • Fraud Detection & Responsible Gaming
  • Procedural Content Generation
  • Predictive Modelling for Gameplay or LTV
  • Real-Time Decision Engines
  • SURPRISE US


You should be:

  • Early to mid-stage with at least a prototype
  • Led by committed founders
  • Building with AI at the core of your solution—not as an afterthought



Yes. Our relationship doesn’t end at demo day.

We continue to support standout startups with:


  • Warm introductions to venture capital and gaming funds
  • Help with licensing, regulation, and compliance (especially in Malta & the EU)
  • Technical partnerships for scaling (cloud, data, platform integrations)
  • Alumni access to future ELEVATE AI events and exclusive partner opportunities