AHRC
CoSTAR Showcase Labs, Createch Infrastructure and Commercialisation
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CoSTAR Showcase Labs funds near-market creative industries infrastructure and commercialisation at technology readiness levels 6-9, with AHRC providing up to £4 million per lab (80% of full economic cost) and requiring a minimum 50% third-party industry match. Applicants must lead a UK-based consortium comprising a UKRI-eligible organisation, at least one commercial co-location partner, and a local or combined authority, and hold a doctorate with a track record in strategic delivery for screen, film, TV, games, or performance. Only two Showcase Labs will be funded in this one-off call, closing 29 October 2026.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £4M FEC per Showcase Lab (AHRC funds 80%); minimum 50% third-party match funding required |
| Deadline | 29 October 2026 |
| Duration | 3 years from April 2027 |
| Consortium | Required — a consortium or partnership of organisations delivering creative technology infrastructure, with evidence of industry support and co-investment |
| Application | Application, shortlisting, interview (week commencing 25 January 2027) |
| TRL | 6-9 |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funding to extend the CoSTAR Network's creative technology R&D infrastructure (Createch Futures), supporting film, TV, games and performance sectors; requires consortium/partnership capability, industry support and co-investment commitment beyond the grant period.
Who Should Apply
- •Lead applicants based at a UKRI-eligible UK organisation with a doctorate
- •Strategic delivery leaders with demonstrated track record in screen, film, TV, games, or performance sectors
- •Consortium leads able to convene a commercial co-location partner and local/combined authority partner
- •Organisations with access to third-party funding to meet the minimum 50% match requirement
- •Projects at TRL 6-9 (prototype testing through near-market demonstration)
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 29 October 2026, 16:00 UK time
- •Three-year funding period from April 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The consortium architecture is gating: you must have a named commercial co-location partner and a local/combined authority partner in place before submission, vague promises of partnership delay evaluation.
- ✓Third-party match is 50% of full economic cost, not 50% of AHRC's contribution; budget your total project FEC accordingly.
- ✓AHRC weights strategic delivery track record heavily for creative sectors, lead with examples of prior successful infrastructure or commercialisation initiatives, not research novelty alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I apply for in the CoSTAR Showcase Labs call?
Up to £4 million full economic cost, of which AHRC funds 80%; you must secure minimum 50% third-party match funding (£2M minimum).
What partners do I need for a CoSTAR Showcase Labs application?
A lead UKRI-eligible organisation, at least one commercial co-location partner, and a local or combined authority or equivalent economic development body; wider industry co-investment is also required to meet the 50% match threshold.
Who is eligible to lead a CoSTAR Showcase Labs application?
UK residents affiliated with a UKRI-eligible organisation who hold a doctorate or equivalent and have a track record in strategic delivery for screen, film, TV, games, or performance sectors.
Can international collaborators join a CoSTAR Showcase Labs project?
No, the call is UK-only and international collaborations are not eligible.
How many Showcase Labs will be funded?
Up to two Showcase Labs will be awarded in this one-off call.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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