The XR Labs Fund is an opportunity for researchers and technicians at UK universities to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to develop extended reality (XR) prototypes, with a particular focus on virtual production technologies and convergent media.
The full economic cost (FEC) of projects can be up to £25,000. XR Network+ will fund 80% (£20,000) of FEC.
The Fund aims to expand the number and scope of innovative research and development (R&D) projects working with XR technologies delivered through UK university facilities. It aims to broaden access to higher education virtual production infrastructure and foster inter-university and academic-industry collaborations.
Projects must therefore utilise university infrastructure, either at the applicant’s home institution, or at another university, through mutual collaboration with that institution.
XR Network+ encourages applications from individuals or teams who haven’t applied for, or led, a research project before.
XR Labs Fund grants are available to support the following project activities:
- Academic-led R&D with an industry partner, focusing on prototype development and rigorous user-testing.
- Demonstrable use of UK university based XR facilities and infrastructure to develop and deliver XR R&D.
- Collaborative initiatives between universities, combining resources and expertise for innovative XR applications.
- Engagement of external specialists to deliver training and skills development to university technical teams.
Projects must align with one or more of the XR Network+ themes.
Deadline for applications: 12:00pm, 11 September 2025.