DreamLab Future Media Residencies. Funding and Support Programme (Round 1)

Calling all businesses innovating with Creative Technology, AI, Realtime & Interactive, Immersive Experiences and Gametech across the Creative Industries in Greater Manchester.

Got an idea for the future of media that you want to take to the next level?

We’re looking to support a number of innovators and entrepreneurs with projects that disrupt the future.

Whats Included?:

• Up to £25k of Funding to help turn your innovation into reality
• Up to 4 months of DreamLab access and support, including access to kit, software, compute and expertise.
• Co-working space within our community MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub

The funding can support a number of activities, such as:

• Development and Prototyping of Innovative & Pioneering Workflows & Products across the creative industries. Including the use of AI, Realtime and Immersive Technology.
• R&D for new Products, Services, Technology-Enabled Media Formats or Experiences.
• Creating Proof of Concept Demonstrators, to help get you to the next investment stage.
• Bringing in new expertise and capabilities to your existing team and business portfolio.
• Addressing medium to long term challenges around Future Media. Including blue sky and disruptive ideas.

Core Criteria

• Projects must be ambitious, from a Greater Manchester registered business, allign to our thematic areas of focus, demonstrate market viability, have a fully formed project plan with eligible costs and have evidenced co-investment.
• Full eligibility criteria that can be found in the Competition Rules and Criteria Document
• Projects must commit to at least 2 days a week working in the DreamLab at MediaCity, and contributing to our innovation community.
• We are particularly interested in applications from under-represented innovators (i.e. from diverse backgrounds, the young, neurodiverse, late career changers, under-represented entrepreneurs)

Links

• Please register your interest by signing up to the information event, taking place at 10am on Wednesday 31st July 2024. The slides from the event can be found here
• Make sure you are eligible Competition Rules and Criteria
• Download the Application Form
• Innovate UK Guidance about eligible costs
• Further Innovate UK Cost Guidance
• Then submit your application here

Key Dates

• Application Deadline is 10am on 23rd August 2024
• Interviews for shortlisted applications will take place in early September
• Projects must be ready to start in September 2024