Prototypes & Pilots Programme
Broker new R&D collaborations. Create and Commercialise.
Prototypes & Pilots Programme is an invitation to UK companies to develop new and exciting forms of intellectual property via access to the CoSTAR Network’s technical infrastructure and research expertise.
How it works
- What is the Prototypes & Pilots Programme?
- Access Programmes and Calls
- CoSTAR National Lab
- CoSTAR Screen Lab
- CoSTAR Realtime Lab
- CoSTAR Live Lab
- How does it work?
- Who can apply?
- Where will it be?
- Bursary information
What is the Prototypes & Pilots Programme?
The Prototypes and Pilots Programme (PPP) is a £3.6 million fund to demonstrate the benefits of the CoSTAR infrastructure by inviting UK companies in to use it and to develop exciting new ideas by accessing its technical and research capabilities. It is designed to encourage R&D activity and investment from the creative sector and promote collaboration across industry and academia.
By giving UK companies access to previously unavailable equipment, technologies, and research expertise, PPP aims to broker new R&D collaborations in order to support the creation and commercialisation of new Intellectual Property.
The PPP programme will deliver the following outputs:
Prototypes are created to test, develop, and validate early-stage technical concepts. They provide a vital route to refine and shape ideas, challenge assumptions, and offer feedback to foundational research and ideas before additional resource is invested. They will be used to build and progress early-stage research and infrastructure with and for industry to help inform, test, and develop ideas and concepts.
Pilots test the feasibility and effectiveness of a concept or solution in a real world setting prior to justifying further investment for scaling, development, or implementation. They will help develop near-production concepts and infrastructure that is closer to market ready than earlier stage prototypes and are likely to involve testing with intended user groups and/or audiences. SME collaboration is vital to test in real-world scenarios
Access Programmes and Calls
Information and updates about each of our calls, including case studies covering successful projects as they progress.
CoSTAR National Lab CALL CLOSED
Grass Roots Music Venue Innovation
CALL CLOSED - APPLICANTS BEING REVIEWED: NOVEMBER 2025 - FEBRUARY 2026: A funded call in partnership with MusicFutures in Liverpool with support from the Music Venue Trust for UK companies to partner with a venue and artist to pilot emerging technologies to tackle some of the grass root music sector’s unique challenges. Company announcement 30 September. Find out more.
CoSTAR Screen Lab
5G innovation in screen technologies
IN PROGRESS - applications closed: SEPTEMBER to NOVEMBER 2025: A funded programme based in Studio Ulster designed to support innovative companies working with 5G to pilot new ways of working in the screen and performance sectors. Company announcement coming soon. Find out more.
CoSTAR Realtime Lab
Virtual Production Toolbox
IN PROGRESS - applications closed. JUNE - DECEMBER 2025: A funded programme focusing on Open-Source scene editing tools to simplify scene-building in Virtual Production for based at RealTime's Lab in Dundee. Company announcement coming soon. Find out more.
CoSTAR Live Lab
New Frontiers for Live Performance
IN PROGRESS - applications closed: MAY to OCTOBER 2025: A funded programme supporting three selected companies, technologists, and creatives to shape the future of live performance based at Live Lab's facility in Production Park, Wakefield. Meet the companies and find out more.
How does the PPP programme work?
There will be three windows each year for UK companies to apply for access to the PPP programme and within these windows, the CoSTAR Network will invite companies to respond to both open and themed funding calls. Open calls are just that, an open invitation to explore the technical infrastructure and specific research expertise of each CoSTAR Lab to test and develop ambitious new ideas for the Creative Industries. Themed calls will provide opportunities for UK companies to take advantage of the evolving tools, technologies and research outputs emerging from the CoSTAR Labs.
Who can apply for access to the PPP Programme?
PPP is open to companies across the UK to apply. Applicants may include a variety of UK-based companies, technologists, researchers and creative practitioners, however, the lead applicant must be a UK-based company. Projects will focus on the UK’s screen and/or performance sectors, and demonstrate a high level of ambition to deliver technological advancement and business growth in its application to creative industries challenges.
Will companies have to work with the CoSTAR Lab closest to them?
No - Companies can apply to work with any of the CoSTAR Labs running PPP calls. Subject to eligibility the PPP programme will offer a small stipend to support travel and accommodation costs to attend in person activity.
If you have any questions, contact: costar.pilots@rhul.ac.uk
Bursary information - CoSTAR access support
