Open Call: CoSTAR Satellite Labs Accessible Creative R/D Infrastructure Program (UK)

Deadline: 29-Oct-2026

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) are inviting eligible UK research organisations to lead consortia in establishing CoSTAR Satellite Labs for creative research and development in the screen and performance industries. Each lab can receive up to £2 million, with a requirement for at least 50% third-party match funding, to develop advanced R&D facilities, support innovation and commercialisation, and strengthen regional access to creative technology.

About the CoSTAR Satellite Labs Initiative

The CoSTAR Satellite Labs initiative expands the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s national creative research infrastructure network. The programme is funded through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Createch Futures programme and aims to strengthen the UK’s screen and performance industries through research, innovation, technology development, and commercialisation. Satellite Labs will connect regional creative industries with the CoSTAR National Lab and wider network, helping organisations access advanced research capabilities and emerging technologies. The initiative is particularly relevant to developments in areas such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), creative technology, screen production, performance, and digital innovation. What Are CoSTAR Satellite Labs? Satellite Labs are intended to be state-of-the-art creative R&D facilities that are co-located with screen production or performance companies.

Each lab will:

Provide advanced facilities for creative R&D. Work with the CoSTAR National Lab and wider network. Provide enterprise and business development functions. Manage facilities and staff for three years. Develop strategies for attracting long-term external investment. Support regional access to creative research infrastructure. The labs are expected to strengthen connections between research organisations, creative businesses, industry, and regional economic development bodies. Funding Available The programme provides up to £2 million per Satellite Lab. A total of £4 million is available across the competition. Applicants must secure third-party match funding equivalent to at least 50% of the amount requested. For example, an applicant requesting £2 million would need to demonstrate at least £1 million in eligible third-party match funding. AHRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC), excluding pledged third-party match funding. Project Duration and Start Date Funded projects will run for three years. Projects must begin by 31 May 2027. During this period, successful consortia will be expected to establish and operate the Satellite Lab, deliver R&D activities, collaborate across the CoSTAR network, and develop a sustainable model for the facility beyond the grant period. Who Is Eligible? The lead applicant must be a UK-based research organisation eligible for AHRC funding. The lead organisation must form a consortium that includes: At least one commercial or industry co-location partner. At least one local authority, combined authority, or equivalent economic development body. The consortium should demonstrate the expertise and partnerships necessary to establish a successful creative R&D facility.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

A strong track record in Createch research and innovation. Experience relevant to the screen or performance industries. Capacity to manage a major collaborative research infrastructure project. Ability to secure significant third-party co-investment. Satellite Labs are intended to help turn research and technological innovation into practical applications for the UK’s creative industries. What Will Satellite Labs Do? The facilities will have several interconnected functions. Creative Research and Development Labs will provide infrastructure for experimentation, testing, prototyping, and applied research relevant to screen and performance. Industry Collaboration Co-location with commercial or industry partners will help ensure that research responds to real-world creative and commercial challenges. Knowledge Exchange Satellite Labs will connect researchers, creative practitioners, businesses, and other stakeholders to share expertise and research outcomes. Commercialisation The initiative aims to help move research discoveries and creative technologies toward market applications and commercial opportunities. Regional Innovation By establishing facilities outside the core national infrastructure, the programme aims to improve regional access to advanced creative R&D capabilities. Sustainability and Co-Investment Long-term sustainability is a central requirement of the initiative. Satellite Labs will operate with grant support for three years but are expected to develop models for attracting external co-investment and sustaining their activities beyond the initial funding period.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate:

Existing industry relationships. Capacity to attract investment. A credible financial sustainability strategy. Potential commercial applications. Long-term demand for the facility. Strong regional economic development connections. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This should be reflected in the design and delivery of the Satellite Lab, partnerships, participation opportunities, recruitment, and access to creative R&D infrastructure. International Collaboration International collaborations are not eligible under this scheme. The initiative is focused on strengthening UK-based creative R&D infrastructure, regional innovation, and connections across the UK creative industries ecosystem. How to Apply

Step 1: Establish Lead Organisation Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation is a UK-based research organisation eligible for AHRC funding.

Step 2: Build the Required Consortium

Identify and secure the required partners, including: A commercial or industry co-locat