Grant opportunity
CoSTAR Satellite Labs: Accessible Creative R&D Infrastructure
Funding for up to two regional Satellite Labs that expand access to creative-sector research infrastructure and support technology adoption and commercialisation.
- Funder
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time
- Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Oct 29, 2026
- Award
- Up to GBP 2 million per Satellite Lab; GBP 4 million total fund
- Applicant
- UKRI-eligible UK research organisations leading a consortium with a commercial or industry co-location partner and a local or combined authority or equivalent development body.
- Discipline
- Creative Industries Research Infrastructure
- Region
- United Kingdom
- Posted
- Aug 26, 2026
Call summary
Overview
AHRC is expanding the CoSTAR network with place-based facilities that serve creative-technology communities and connect them to national R&D infrastructure.
Who can apply
A UKRI-eligible organisation must lead the required partnership and demonstrate creative-technology capability, industry support and co-investment under the official rules.
What it supports
- Creative R&D facilities
- Technology adoption and commercialisation
- Regional access to CoSTAR infrastructure
Funding and duration
- Up to GBP 2 million full economic cost per lab
- AHRC funds 80% FEC subject to the call's match-funding rules
Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time
Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Oct 29, 2026
How to apply
Submit the required expression of interest and then the full application through UKRI's Funding Service.
Call details
Source-based overview
Satellite Labs should extend the network geographically or sectorally, provide specialist technical capability and support companies to use national infrastructure and progress R&D toward market application.
Eligibility
A UKRI-eligible organisation must lead the required partnership and demonstrate creative-technology capability, industry support and co-investment under the official rules.
Funding and benefits
Up to GBP 2 million full economic cost per lab
AHRC funds 80% FEC subject to the call's match-funding rules
Themes and supported activities
Creative R&D facilities
Technology adoption and commercialisation
Regional access to CoSTAR infrastructure
Deadline and timeline
Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Expressions of interest are due 21 September 2026; full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Oct 29, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Submit the required expression of interest and then the full application through UKRI's Funding Service.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.