From Idea to Global Product in GameDev and AI/SaaS: Selection — Building — Growth
11-22 august/ оnline (Eng)
about DU Lab
Disruptive Unicorn Lab
is a growth environment for early-stage startups in GameDev, AI, and SaaS. We support projects from the idea stage all the way to entering international markets.
International partners
ITMO University + invited experts from global innovation ecosystems
we explore how AI can support project design, strategy, and management
AI is a tool
We focus on people and practice
DU Lab is a space for team collaboration and hands-on learning through real challenges
Summer School DU Lab
A two-week online intensive that helps you master the key approaches to startup development and test your creative and tech ideas in GameDev and AI/SaaS — all under the guidance of top mentors.
Open to everyone who wants to: validate a startup idea, find a team, explore how to use AI in a product or game
Open to everyone who wants to: validate a startup idea, find a team, explore how to use AI in a product or game
11-12 August
Format: Online (in English)
Format: Online (in English)
Tracks
GameDev
Build a game from scratch to a Vertical Slice
Launch an AI-based project with solid unit economics
AI/SaaS
Students
Designers
Researchers
Founders
Developers
Producers
Who can apply
Idea
Prototype
Investments
Pre-pitch
What will you get from DU Lab?
Global Community
Team
DU Lab Summer School 2025
August 2025
Format: Online (in English)
Format: Online (in English)
Prepare your startup project in GameDev or AI/SaaS in just two weeks under the guidance of top mentors from Russia, China, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Thailand, and Malaysia
2 weeks of intensive work
Access to industry experts
A global GameDev and AI/SaaS community
Lectures, practical sessions, workshops, Q&A
Submit the application form
Receive an official invitation
How to apply?
2 easy steps
organizer
AI Talent Hub is a coordinator of AI dimension. The largest master's degree programme in artificial intelligence at ITMO University implemented in partnership with Napoleon IT
Main organizer DU Lab Summer School — Center for International Projects and Partnerships FTMI ITMО
Yulia Trabskaya
Head of the Center for International Projects at FTMI ITMO University, PhD, Associate Professor at ITMO University
Director of DU Lab and Science Track Coordinator
First Deputy Dean of FTMI ITMO University
Andrey Starodubtsev
Head of Resources at DU Lab
Андрей Анфиногенов
Декан, руководитель образовательной программы магистратуры «Управление высокотехнологичным бизнесом» ФТМИ ИТМО, предприниматель, инвестор
Anna Kotova
Deputy Dean of FTMI ITMO University for Partner Relations
Идейный вдохновитель DU Lab
Coordinator for Partnerships with Russian Partners
Deputy Director of FTMI ITMO for Investments, Investment Director of Kirov Group Ventures and ITMO Startup studio
Elena Morozova
Coordinator for Partnerships with Russian Partners
Diego Arbildo
Curator of the International Partnerships Department at FTMI ITMO University
Head of International Partner Relations at DU Lab
Head of the Marketing Office at FTMI ITMO University
Olga Kokorina
Head of Promotion at DU Lab and Coordinator of the Cultural and Entertainment Program
Anton Potsulin
Head of the Business Department at the Center for International Projects, entrepreneur, lecturer at FTMI ITMO University
Curator of the Center for International Projects at FTMI, ITMO University, Head of the Engineering and Technical Service at Senezh University, founder of the international competition group «Start the Game»
Mariam Karpova
Nikolai Rzhevsky
Head of Products and Projects, specializing in AI-based innovations and accelerating early-stage startups
Program Director, DU Lab Summer School
Coordinator for Partnerships with Russian Partners in the Field of Game Development
Project manager DU Lab
Project Manager at the Center for International Projects at FTMI ITMO University
Yaroslava Masyagin
Lead Organizer of the "Future Talk" foresight session — a telebridge featuring official representatives and experts from Russia and Latin America. Track Coordinator for Global Business at DU Lab School
partners
With the support of the first Game Development and Interactive Media College in Kyrgyzstan
Games, education, events - development and implementation of any projects in the gaming industry
The DU Lab Summer School is supported by EQUAA, an international accreditation organization. EQUAA's goal is to improve the quality of both educational programs and universities in general.
Among the universities accredited by EQUAA, the IÉSEG School of Management (France) which is in the top 50 of the QS ranking for the quality of the Masters in Marketing educational program, Florida International University (USA), ESIC Business & Marketing School (Spain), ISAE Brazilian Business School (Brazil), Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico), Universidad Cientifica del Sur (Peru), Montpellier Business School (France), Skolkovo School of Management, St. Petersburg International Institute of Management IMISP and many others.
Among the universities accredited by EQUAA, the IÉSEG School of Management (France) which is in the top 50 of the QS ranking for the quality of the Masters in Marketing educational program, Florida International University (USA), ESIC Business & Marketing School (Spain), ISAE Brazilian Business School (Brazil), Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico), Universidad Cientifica del Sur (Peru), Montpellier Business School (France), Skolkovo School of Management, St. Petersburg International Institute of Management IMISP and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a guided practical journey where selected participants work step by step on a unified application draft — a startup summary aligned with the expectations of international accelerators. You will define the idea, audience, value, and positioning, and receive expert feedback.
After completing the participant form, you will receive a personal link to your application template. This is where you will work on your draft throughout the School, and where we can track your progress and provide support.
As part of this component, you will join a live tracker session (a progress review workshop) on August 16, and take part in the final mentoring and pitch session on August 22. If you need more time, you will have 7 additional days after the program to finalize your application draft and send it for expert feedback and credit approval.
After completing the participant form, you will receive a personal link to your application template. This is where you will work on your draft throughout the School, and where we can track your progress and provide support.
As part of this component, you will join a live tracker session (a progress review workshop) on August 16, and take part in the final mentoring and pitch session on August 22. If you need more time, you will have 7 additional days after the program to finalize your application draft and send it for expert feedback and credit approval.
That’s absolutely fine. We will help match participants into small working groups of 3–4 people. If you already have a team, you can join together.
The two-week program will culminate in a final pitch session, where selected participants briefly present their startup idea to an international panel of experts. You will have 60 seconds to pitch your concept using a one pager developed during the School. This is a chance to receive valuable feedback and reflect on your next steps.
Participants in the hands-on component who finalize and send their application draft will receive an official certificate from ITMO University with ECTS credits. If you need more time, you will have 7 additional days after the School to polish your application draft and send it for expert feedback and credit approval.
Not necessarily. Most sessions will be recorded and shared with all participants, except in cases where the speaker does not permit recording (this will be noted in the program). However, staying actively engaged is strongly recommended if you plan to complete the hands-on component and receive academic credits.
The entire program is conducted in English.
Note: the GameDev track is delivered separately in Russian.
Note: the GameDev track is delivered separately in Russian.