The Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA) is not just about training talent-it is about giving startups the launchpad they need to thrive in Pakistan’s emerging creative economy. Through its structured incubation program, CEGA identifies, evaluates, and nurtures the most promising startups in the gaming and animation space.
This article breaks down the selection journey for every founder-from the moment you apply to the day you are welcomed into the cohort.
Why Selection Matters
Incubation resources-mentorship, funding access, co-working seats, and exposure-are limited. To ensure fairness and impact, CEGA uses a transparent, multi-stage selection process that brings together consortium partners and independent experts. This way, the startups that enter the program are not only innovative but also aligned with CEGA’s strategic goals: building Pakistan’s global footprint in gaming and animation.
Step 1: Internal Screening Panel (Phase 1)
Your application first goes through an internal review, conducted by CEGA’s consortium partners and program managers.
Criteria evaluated:
- Innovation Potential – Is your concept new, bold, and scalable?
- Team Capability – Do you have the right mix of skills?
- Market Opportunity – Does your idea solve a real problem?
- Alignment with CEGA – Does your project fit the gaming & animation focus?
The purpose here is to shortlist mission-aligned applicants who show the highest promise.
Step 2: External Selection Panel (Phase 2)
Shortlisted startups are then reviewed by an independent external panel. This body includes:
- Industry veterans
- Subject matter experts in gaming and animation
- Professionals nominated by consortium partners
Unlike Phase 1, the final decision rests with this external body. They score startups independently, and average scoring determines selection, ensuring impartiality.
Step 3: Onboarding of Selected Startups
Startups that pass both phases receive formal onboarding agreements from LUMS (CEGA’s incubation lead). This stage covers:
- Orientation into CEGA’s structure and tools
- Mentor-matching and introduction to learning tracks
- A clear outline of program deliverables and expectations
Timeline of the Selection Journey
According to CEGA’s Incubation User Journey Map, the process follows a clear sequence:
- Hype & Registrations (Sept 1-22, 2025): Building awareness and collecting applications.
- Final Selection Rounds (Oct 11-22, 2025): Internal + external panel reviews, interviews, and due diligence.
- Results & Agreements (Oct 24-30, 2025): Announcement, acceptance confirmations, and legal onboarding.
- Commencement (Nov 1, 2025): First bootcamp, baseline evaluations, and mentor matching.
What Reviewers Look For
Want to increase your chances of being selected? Focus on these five areas:
- Clarity of Idea – Explain your concept in one crisp sentence.
- Prototype or Proof – Even a basic build/demo matters.
- Market Fit – Show you’ve researched your target users.
- Team Story – Highlight diverse but complementary skills.
- Vision – Demonstrate long-term commitment to building a studio, not just a one-off game.
Why This Process Works
CEGA’s two-tier selection system ensures that:
- Founders are chosen on merit and alignment, not connections.
- Multiple perspectives (academic, industry, investor) shape decisions.
- Startups receive immediate credibility by passing through independent evaluation.
Conclusion
Getting into CEGA’s incubation program is competitive-but for good reason. The process ensures that only the most promising startups are given the tools, mentorship, and networks to succeed. For founders, this journey from idea to incubatee is not just about getting selected-it’s about being prepared to build a sustainable, world-class studio in Pakistan’s creative economy.
Call-to-Action:
Applications for CEGA’s first incubation cohort open September 16, 2025. Start your application today and take the first step towards building Pakistan’s next big gaming or animation success story.
