# CoSTAR Satellite Labs: Accessible Creative R&D Infrastructure

**Funder:** AHRC
**Budget:** Up to £2M FEC per Satellite Lab (AHRC funds 80%); minimum 50% third-party match funding required
**Deadline:** 29 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 3 years from April 2027
**Consortium:** Required — lead UKRI-eligible organisation plus at least one commercial/industry co-location partner and one local/combined authority or equivalent economic development body; wider industry co-investment also required
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/costar-satellite-labs-accessible-creative-rd-infrastructure/
**Last updated:** 26 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK-only; international collaborations not eligible. Lead must be UK-resident, affiliated with a UKRI-eligible organisation, hold a doctorate or equivalent, and have a track record in strategic delivery of major capital or R&D programmes for screen and performance sectors. AHRC funds 80% FEC up to £2M per Satellite Lab; minimum 50% third-party match funding (commercial, not-for-profit, local government) required. Up to two Satellite Labs will be awarded.

## Summary

The CoSTAR Satellite Labs scheme offers up to £2 million (80% AHRC funding, minimum 50% third-party match required) to establish accessible creative R&D infrastructure hubs across the UK. Open to teams from screen and performance sectors with a track record in strategic delivery of major capital or R&D programmes, the scheme awards up to two Satellite Labs over three years. Lead applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent and be UK-resident, affiliated with a UKRI-eligible organisation; consortium partners must include at least one commercial/industry partner and one local or combined authority economic development body.

## Who should apply

- Lead applicants UK-resident, affiliated with a UKRI-eligible organisation, with doctorate or equivalent qualification
- Teams with a demonstrated track record in strategic delivery of major capital or R&D programmes in screen and performance sectors
- Consortiums including a UKRI-eligible lead, at least one commercial/industry co-location partner, and one local/combined authority or economic development body
- Projects designed to establish accessible creative R&D infrastructure hubs across the UK

## Key dates

- Single deadline: 29 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
- Three-year project duration from April 2027

## Tips for applicants

- The consortium structure is gating: ensure contractual commitment from commercial co-location partners and local/combined authority economic development bodies before submission.
- AHRC funds only 80% FEC, plan your funding landscape carefully to secure and document 50% third-party match (commercial, not-for-profit, local government sources).
- Demonstrate your lead's track record in strategic delivery explicitly; AHRC expects evidence of prior successful capital or R&D programme management in screen or performance sectors.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does CoSTAR Satellite Labs fund?

Up to £2 million per Satellite Lab (80% AHRC funding); minimum 50% third-party match funding from commercial, not-for-profit, or local government sources is required.

### Who is eligible to lead a CoSTAR Satellite Labs application?

UK-resident applicants affiliated with a UKRI-eligible organisation, holding a doctorate or equivalent, with a track record in strategic delivery of major capital or R&D programmes in screen and performance sectors.

### What partners must be included in a CoSTAR Satellite Labs consortium?

A consortium must include a UKRI-eligible lead organisation, at least one commercial/industry co-location partner, and one local/combined authority or equivalent economic development body; wider industry co-investment is also required.

### How many CoSTAR Satellite Labs will be funded?

Up to two Satellite Labs will be awarded in this one-off call.

### What is the project duration for CoSTAR Satellite Labs?

Three years, starting April 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ahrc-costar-satellite-labs-accessible-creative-r-d-infr-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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