Support for 5G innovation in the screen and performance sectors

Creative companies are invited to explore innovative applications of 5G in screen technology in this CoSTAR Screen Lab call.

Convergent Screen Technologies and performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) has launched a call designed to support innovative applications of 5G technology in the screen and performance sectors. The call encourages proposals addressing a range of potential challenges including those in content production, multi-site collaboration, data access, distribution, consumption, net-zero and sustainability.

5G offers faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, increased flexibility, and increased reliability, supporting a range of digital applications in the creative industries such as virtual production, broadcast, advertising, digital twinning, automation and generative AI, amongst others.

Proposals are encouraged across a range of potential solutions, such as:

• multi-site real time pre-visualisation, production and post-production
• low latency data transfer in studio environments (LED wall focus)
• camera tracking
• automation of LED wall configuration
• high volume, real-time motion capture
• 3D and 4D scanning applications for real time
• real time spatial audio automation
• artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in real time studio environments

CoSTAR support for the call offers a combination of access to equipment and facilities, research expertise, and cash funding to support project costs. The total value of this support package is valued at over £150,000 per project. For this specific open call, up to two projects will be awarded cash funding of up to £35,000 per project.

Successful projects will have the opportunity to access:

• Equipment and facilities. Up to two intensive one-week development sprints at CoSTAR Screen Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation on the required equipment.
• Research Expertise. Staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, and will also be able to provide up to 10 days of ad-hoc support outside of these sprint windows over the project’s total duration.
• Cash Funding. Up to £35,000 is available to contribute to costs in undertaking the project.
• Travel Budget If a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) at the Screen Lab and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to £4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation.

Find out more about the CoSTAR Screen Lab: 5G Innovation in Screen Technologies call and how to apply.

First published 8 May 2025