CoSTAR (Convergent Screen Technologies and performance in Realtime) is a major UKRI-AHRC research and innovation infrastructure investment (estimated £75.6 million investment over six years, subject to business case approvals). Funded primarily through the UKRI Infrastructure Fund, it will support a network of experimental labs to research the development and use of convergent technologies in the creative sectors. Applications for this call will open on 11th October.
The CoSTAR programme proposes a national response to the risks and challenges facing our screen and performance industries. It seeks to reinforce our strategic leadership position in the global Creative industries by investing in world-leading research, development, and innovation (RD&I) facilities and programmes to unlock the immediate and long term economic and creative value of a distinct set of emerging technologies.
It will comprise a central hub and experimental studio fitted with real-time digital technologies. These and other advanced technologies will allow the viewer to rotate or move around in what appears to be a three-dimensional space. The central hub will be enhanced by a network of regional labs across the UK.
CoSTAR facilities will be open to organisations across the UK creative industries which have an involvement or interest in adopting virtual production technologies and in the potential of the ‘metaverse’. This includes the film, TV, games, live performance (theatre, music, visual arts, etc.), and museum and gallery sectors.
Examples of the kinds of convergent technologies which CoSTAR aims to support include:
- Virtual production (VP) techniques such as volumetric capture
- Realtime software engines
- Virtual and augmented reality
A series of CoSTAR briefing events will take place across the UK in October and November. These events will be open to industry and researchers, to find out more about the programme and to ensure strong applications are put forward.
For CoSTAR queries, contact the team: [email protected]
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from HEIs, IROs or RTOs as lead bidders, in partnership consortia with at least one commercial or industry co-location partner and one Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Local or Combined Authority or equivalent economic development body or enterprise agency.
