Make & Publish

Maker Program 

The goal of the MAGIC Maker program is to provide students with the funding and support to manage their own digital media (games, film, digital media, interactive experiences, digital design and more) projects and prepare them for publication and investment-readiness. 

What do I need to apply? (this link remains live even when applications are closed to serve as a reference)
 

HOW TO SUBMIT:

1. Create a Google Drive folder
2. Use this naming convention: Maker_Application_Spring_2025_StudentName
3. Ensure Aaron Nieboer has editor access
4. Email Aaron Nieboer the Google Drive link: amnigm@rit.edu

Fall 2025 Process Dates:

• Applications open: Monday, June 23
• Deadline for applications:  Friday, July 18 (11:59PM)
• Application review: Friday, July 25
• Finalist interviews: July 28-August 1
• Participant notification: August 8
• Summer term ends: August 12
• Fall term begins: Monday, August 25
• Fall term concludes: December 17 (last day of finals)

The goal of our Community Incubator Program is to assist indie developers in the Greater Rochester area (including the Finger Lakes and Western New York) who are developing games. We are excited to extend our reach and support beyond the RIT campus: this unique opportunity is for individuals who are not currently RIT students, staff, or faculty.

Applications for our current cohort are now closed. 

Program Highlights

• Access to funding up to $10,000
• Mentorship and publishing support from our Digital Game Hub Coordinator
• Access to a broad network of game industry professionals
• Opportunity for residency at RIT MAGIC Spell Studios where you will have access to hardware/software as well as the opportunity to work alongside students and faculty

What do I need to apply? (this link remains live even when applications are closed to serve as a reference)

for MAGIC community incubator program

Traver Creative Technologist Founders Program

Year 3 of the Traver Program is underway! We look forward to announcing year 4 of the program with our partner, RIT student organization, Brick Hack for their 12th annual event which will take place early in the spring semester. As a sponsor, we are offering the winning RIT dev or team of RIT students access to our program which includes:

• Up to 15K stipend funding during a two-semester residency with MAGIC to bring the project to market
• Mentorship + Coaching
• Your residency in MAGIC can qualify for summer and/or fall '26 Co-op for your team

Note: awarded projects must emphasize technology development for creative industries. 

Meet John
Learn more about the program