Grant opportunity
CoSTAR Showcase Labs: Createch Infrastructure and Commercialisation
Funding for up to two national Showcase Labs that combine advanced creative R&D facilities, commercialisation support and technology demonstration.
- Funder
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- Full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time
- Full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Oct 29, 2026
- Award
- Up to GBP 4 million per Showcase Lab; GBP 8 million total fund
- Applicant
- UKRI-eligible UK research organisations leading consortia with industry co-location and local economic-development partners and strong wider creative-sector support.
- Discipline
- Creative Industries Research Infrastructure
- Region
- United Kingdom
- Posted
- Aug 26, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The Showcase Labs will help creative businesses adopt emerging technologies, demonstrate market-ready innovations and connect companies with investment and scale-up support.
Who can apply
The lead and consortium must satisfy AHRC standard and additional eligibility rules, including required partners, relevant leadership experience, wider industry support and UK focus.
What it supports
- Createch demonstration facilities
- Commercialisation and investment
- Near-market R&D for screen and performance
Funding and duration
- Up to GBP 4 million full economic cost per lab
- Three-year awards starting in 2027
Full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time
Full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: Oct 29, 2026
How to apply
Prepare the consortium and submit through the UKRI Funding Service by the official deadline.
Call details
Source-based overview
Showcase Labs will act as presentation and demonstration environments for creative technologies while collaborating across the wider CoSTAR network and securing long-term co-investment.
Eligibility
The lead and consortium must satisfy AHRC standard and additional eligibility rules, including required partners, relevant leadership experience, wider industry support and UK focus.
Funding and benefits
Up to GBP 4 million full economic cost per lab
Three-year awards starting in 2027
Themes and supported activities
Createch demonstration facilities
Commercialisation and investment
Near-market R&D for screen and performance
Deadline and timeline
Full applications close 29 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time: 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
Prepare the consortium and submit through the UKRI Funding Service by the official deadline.
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.