CoSTAR Emerge-AI offers early-stage businesses a three-month package of expert support, cloud credits and £5,000 in funding, with no equity taken
A new fully-funded programme is open for applications from early-stage tech startups and SMEs using AI within the creative industries, offering a rare combination of funding, expert guidance and infrastructure access at no cost and with no equity given up in return.
What the programme offers
CoSTAR Emerge-AI, delivered through the CoSTAR National Lab as part of the wider CoSTAR AI for Creativity initiative, is designed to help early-stage companies take an AI-based prototype through to initial validation. Over three months, 20 selected companies will receive a £5,000 stipend to cover early-stage business costs, enhanced access to cloud credits to support product development, and four two-day workshops with bespoke masterclasses tailored to their stage of growth.
The programme also includes mentorship and office hours with senior industry experts, structured user testing with target customers, and commercialisation support covering intellectual property, routes to market and funding strategy. Companies will also get access to the CoSTAR National Lab and Foresight Lab for research collaboration, and the chance to pitch their business to key members of the CoSTAR Network. Crucially, the programme takes no equity and charges no application fee.
Who it’s for
The programme is aimed at early-stage AI startups and SMEs that already have a working proof of concept but need support to refine and validate it before going to market. This includes creative technology companies building tools or platforms for film, TV, theatre, gaming or live performance, as well as small teams with strong technical skills but limited business or commercialisation experience.
To be eligible, applicants must be a UK-registered business with at least two people involved, have a working knowledge of AI as a core part of their product, be at proof-of-concept stage or beyond, and be from or support the creative industries. Businesses must operate and carry out all project activity in the UK, and should be looking to build their business and raise funding or investment within the next 12 months.
Why it matters
For small, early-stage teams, the gap between a promising prototype and a fundable, market-ready business can be difficult to close without expert support, and even harder without direct access to investors, mentors and infrastructure. This programme is designed to close exactly that gap, giving founders structured time with experts, real customer feedback, and a genuine opportunity to be seen by the wider CoSTAR Network, all without the risk of giving away equity or paying for access.
Key dates
Applications opened on Wednesday 17 June 2026, with an online Q&A webinar held on Tuesday 7 July. The application window closes at 12pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026, with successful applicants notified and contracted in September, workshops running October to December 2026, and the programme closing in January 2027.
Businesses interested in applying can review the full application guidance and application questions before submitting.
