AHRC
Expanding Access to Creative Sector R&D Infrastructure (CoSTAR Createch Futures Lot 1)
Call opens 24 August 2026; projects must start by 31 May 2027
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The AHRC CoSTAR Createch Futures Lot 1 funds design and fit-out of creative R&D laboratories for screen and performance sectors, with budgets up to £2 million (Satellite Labs) or £4 million (Showcase Labs) at full economic cost; AHRC covers 80% of eligible costs, requiring a minimum 50% third-party match. Applications are restricted to UK-based consortia led by a UKRI-eligible organisation with academic partners, commercial co-location partners, and local/combined authority involvement. This is a one-off call supporting technology-readiness levels 6-9, with projects commencing April 2027.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £2M (Satellite Labs) / Up to £4M (Showcase Labs) FEC; AHRC funds 80% of FEC; minimum 50% Third Party Match Funding required |
| Duration | 3 years from April 2027 |
| Consortium | Required — UKRI-eligible lead organisation plus at least 1 commercial/industry co-location partner and 1 local/combined authority or equivalent economic development body; wider industry co-investment also required |
| TRL | 6-9 |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
UK-only call (international collaborations ineligible). Funds design and fit-out of creative R&D labs (Showcase and Satellite) focused on screen and performance sectors at TRL 6-9. Lead must be UKRI-eligible, UK-resident, with professorial-level track record in creative industries R&D. Minimum 50% Third Party Match Funding required. Up to 4 grants awarded (max 2 Showcase, max 2 Satellite Labs).
Who Should Apply
- •UK UKRI-eligible institutions with professorial-level leadership in creative industries research
- •Consortia including commercial co-location partners and local/combined authority economic development bodies
- •Organisations with established screen and performance sector innovation pipelines at TRL 6-9
- •Partners able to secure 50% third-party match funding from industry, local authorities, or equivalent sources
Key Dates
- •Call opens 24 August 2026; deadline to be confirmed on the AHRC portal
- •Projects must start by 31 May 2027, with three-year duration from April 2027
- •Up to four grants awarded: maximum two Showcase Labs, maximum two Satellite Labs
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This is infrastructure-led funding; the proposal must foreground the lab design, equipment procurement, and operational readiness as much as the research pipeline.
- ✓The 50% third-party match is mandatory and non-negotiable; secure co-investment pledges from commercial partners and local development bodies early, and document them in detailed letters of commitment.
- ✓Consortium composition is gatekeeping: applications missing a named commercial co-location partner or local/combined authority commitment will not pass triage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the AHRC CoSTAR Createch Futures award?
Up to £2 million for Satellite Labs or up to £4 million for Showcase Labs at full economic cost; AHRC funds 80% and you must secure minimum 50% third-party match funding.
Who is eligible to lead a CoSTAR Createch Futures application?
UK-based UKRI-eligible organisations with professorial-level leadership in creative industries R&D, hosting a consortium that includes commercial co-location partners and local or combined authority economic development bodies.
Is the AHRC CoSTAR Createch Futures a recurring call?
No, this is a one-off call; the call opens 24 August 2026 and projects must commence by 31 May 2027.
What is meant by TRL 6-9 in the CoSTAR Createch Futures call?
The funding supports screen and performance research at technology-readiness levels 6-9, from pilot demonstration through to full-scale commercial deployment; fundamental research below TRL 6 is ineligible.
Can international collaborators join a CoSTAR Createch Futures consortium?
No, this is a UK-only call; the lead organisation must be UK-based and international collaborations are ineligible.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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