AHRC
CoSTAR Satellite Labs: Accessible Creative R&D Infrastructure
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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.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £2M FEC per Satellite Lab (AHRC funds 80%); minimum 50% third-party match funding required |
| Deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| Duration | 3 years from April 2027 |
| Consortium | Required — consortium or partnership of academic and industry partners |
| Application | Assessment panel → shortlisting → interview (expected week commencing 25 January 2027) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funding to extend the CoSTAR Network's creative R&D infrastructure, supporting new national labs for TV, film, games and performance sectors. Applicants are expected to form a consortium/partnership with co-investment and industry support; interviews expected week commencing 25 January 2027.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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