Applications open for CoSTAR Emerge-AI Programme (UK)

The focus areas of the programme include AI-driven innovation in creative industries, early-stage concept validation, prototype development, market understanding and testing, user testing with potential customers, commercialisation support including IP and routes to market, investment readiness, structured mentorship and workshops, cloud and compute support for product development, and building scalable creative technology businesses.

CoSTAR Emerge-AI is part of the CoSTAR AI for Creativity initiative and is designed to support startups and SMEs in the early growth phase of the tech and creative industries. The programme runs over three months and provides tailored support to help companies refine prototypes, validate ideas, understand their market, and present early-stage business concepts to members of the CoSTAR Network.

Participants receive a £5,000 stipend to support early-stage business costs, cloud credits for product development, access to workshops and masterclasses, mentorship from industry experts, structured user testing, access to CoSTAR National Lab and Foresight Lab resources, and support in commercialisation, intellectual property, and funding strategies. The programme also offers peer learning opportunities through a cohort of 20 companies and a final pitch opportunity.

Eligible applicants are early-stage startups or SMEs with a working proof of concept in AI, particularly within creative technology sectors such as film, TV, theatre, gaming, or live performance. Applicants must be UK-registered businesses with at least two people involved, operating and delivering project activity in the UK, and aiming to develop and scale AI-based creative solutions. Applicants may be pre-revenue or early-revenue and should demonstrate readiness to develop investment opportunities within the next 12 months.

For more information, visit CoSTAR Network.