CoSTAR Satellite Labs 2026

CoSTAR Satellite Labs is an Arts and Humanities Research Council funding opportunity. It asks UK research organisations to host national research and development infrastructure for the creative sector, as part of the CoSTAR network. The aim is to lower barriers to technology use for creative businesses, improve support for taking work to market, and help creative technology companies grow.

The full economic cost of a Satellite Lab project can be up to £2 million, not counting third party match funding. That match funding must be at least 50 percent of the full economic cost you request. AHRC funds 80 percent of the full economic cost, with the exclusions described on the page. The opportunity lists a total fund of £4,000,000 and a maximum award of £2,000,000. Awards last three years from April 2027, and projects must start by 31 May 2027.

The lead must be a UK organisation that is eligible for UKRI funding. The consortium needs at least one commercial or industry partner on the same site, and one local or combined authority or similar economic development body. The project lead must live in the UK, work at an eligible organisation, and have a doctorate or equivalent experience, plus a record of major programmes in the screen and performance sectors. Those sectors include film, TV, and games. International collaborations are not eligible.

Applications opened on 24 August 2026 and close on 29 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. You apply on the UKRI Funding Service from the opportunity page. Only the lead research organisation can submit. The project lead completes the form, then the research office checks it and sends it to UKRI. You cannot use the old Je S system.

AHRC says it looks for labs that can join the CoSTAR network, follow its technical standards, and sit in a region of creative technology activity that is not already covered by existing CoSTAR labs. Facilities should be on the same site as a screen production facility, studio, or performance company.