AHRC
CoSTAR Showcase Labs
16:00 UK time
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CoSTAR Showcase Labs, funded by AHRC through the DCMS Createch Futures programme, offers up to £4M per lab (80% FEC) to build facilities co-sited with a screen production or performance venue. The call requires a consortium led by a UK-resident researcher with a doctorate or equivalent experience, plus at least one commercial/industry co-location partner and one local or combined authority/economic development body, with projects running at technology readiness levels 6-9. This is a one-off call with a single application stage and mandatory minimum 50% third-party match funding.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £4M per Showcase Lab (80% FEC, excluding minimum 50% third-party match funding) |
| Deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| 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 economic development body |
| Application | Single stage |
| TRL | 6-9 |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Part of AHRC's CoSTAR programme expansion funded by DCMS Createch Futures, delivering Showcase Labs co-sited with a screen production or performance facility. UK-only; international collaborations not eligible; requires minimum 50% third-party match funding and lead must be UK-resident with doctorate or equivalent experience.
Who Should Apply
- •Lead applicants who are UK-resident and hold a doctorate or equivalent research experience
- •UKRI-eligible lead organisations partnered with a commercial/industry co-location partner
- •Consortia including a local or combined authority / economic development body
- •Teams working at technology readiness levels 6-9 (near-market to deployed)
- •Projects focused on screen production or performance technology facilities, UK-based only
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 29 October 2026, 16:00 UK time
- •Single-stage application process
- •Three-year project duration from April 2027
- •One-off call (not recurring)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Secure firm commitments for the minimum 50% third-party match funding early, as this is a hard eligibility requirement, not just a scoring factor.
- ✓Line up your commercial/industry co-location partner and local/combined authority partner before drafting, both are mandatory consortium roles, not optional strengtheners.
- ✓Since this is a one-off call with a single application stage, there is no resubmission cycle to rely on, the proposal must be complete and fundable on first submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does CoSTAR Showcase Labs provide?
Up to £4M per Showcase Lab at 80% full economic costs, with a minimum 50% third-party match funding requirement on top.
Who can apply to CoSTAR Showcase Labs?
A UK-resident lead with a doctorate or equivalent experience, based at a UKRI-eligible organisation, applying as part of a consortium with a commercial/industry co-location partner and a local or combined authority body.
Can international partners join a CoSTAR Showcase Labs consortium?
No, the call is UK-only and international collaborations are not eligible.
When is the CoSTAR Showcase Labs deadline?
29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time, and this is a one-off, single-stage call.
How long do CoSTAR Showcase Labs projects run?
Three years, starting from April 2027.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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