CoSTAR network, the national R&D network serving the UKโs world-leading gaming, TV, film and performance sectors, has put out the call for creative businesses to apply to two new exciting opportunities: CoSTAR Ideate: Growth Lab and Residency, and CoSTAR Live Lab.
CoSTAR Ideate – creative technology
The CoSTAR Ideate call is open to 24 early growth companies in the creative technology sector. The programme will deliver enterprise and funding finance support from four of the new CoSTAR Network Labs.
The 24 successful companies will each benefit from a 5-month residency at one of the four CoSTAR Labs, (including desk and lab space). They will also receive business development guidance, lab time to enable product development, access to expert technical support and resources, and access to a community of like-minded start-ups and entrepreneurs from the creative technology sector.โฏย And there are no fees to pay for any of this support.
Join an information session to find out more about Ideate and how to apply.
CoSTAR Live Lab – live performance
CoSTAR Live Lab, is inviting companies, technologists, and creatives to apply for their call to help shape the future of live performance.
While based at the world-renowned Production Park in Yorkshire โ where icons like Beyoncรฉ, Metallica and The Rolling Stones prepare for their world tours โ this call is open to applications from across the UK.
This call invites applications from teams with creative R&D projects focussed on the live performance sector, looking for the opportunity to accelerate and advance their innovation activity.
The following support packages are available for the successful applicants:
- up to two intensive one-week development sprints at the CoSTAR Live Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation by the technical team.
- research staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, with further ad-hoc support possible outside of the sprint windows.
- cash funding of up to ยฃ13,000 to contribute towards costs in undertaking the project, such as contracting performers, interaction design, editing, consumables etc.
- if a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to ยฃ4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation.ย
To find out more about the CoSTAR Live Lab call, watch the recording of the information webinar here.
Application timings
Both calls are open to applicants across the UK.
Applications for CoSTAR Live Lab close on Thursday 20 March, 2025, and the CoSTAR Ideate call closes on Monday 24 March 2025, so click the links to find out more information and apply today.
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