Belfast XR Festival has announced the launch of Amplify:XR Labs, a new £200,000 immersive media development programme designed to address a critical gap in the UK’s immersive media ecosystem.
The first of its kind, UK-wide programme will be delivered by Belfast XR Festival, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding in partnership with Arts Council Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Immersive Arts UK and Digital Catapult.
The initiative, 'Amplify:XR Labs,' will provide strategic early-stage support for new and emerging producers developing narrative-led XR and immersive projects. The programme responds directly to the BFI Creative Challenge Fund's focus on talent progression, skills development and sector sustainability.
Belfast XR Festival Director Deepa Mann-Kler states:
“I am absolutely delighted to launch Amplify:XR Labs. This programme represents a strategic shift for Belfast XR Festival, moving beyond showcasing work to actively strengthening the UK’s immersive ecosystem at its most critical point: early-stage producer development.”
Amplify:XR Labs aims to de-risk early development for immersive narrative projects by offering paid creative development time, tailored mentorship and access to world leading XR professionals. The programme encourages cross-sector collaboration, welcoming new and emerging producers from film, television, games and other adjacent screen industries to explore the narrative potential of creative technology and immersive formats.
Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, Mia Bays, comments:
“The XR and immersive media landscape offers exciting creative potential which Amplify:XR Labs will help to unlock for emerging producers, aligning with the BFI Creative Challenge Fund’s core aim of increasing opportunities for early career producers. Through offering participants the opportunity to engage with real-time pipelines, immersive design principles and to create fully developed pitch materials, Amplify:XR Labs will directly enhance their ability to attract finance, secure production partners, and take projects to market. We are excited to see the results from the Lab which we hope will help to diversify the immersive sector, and bring regional and underrepresented voices into a high-growth area of screen storytelling.”
The programme is open to 10 UK-based teams, led by new and emerging producers, supported by a Director/Writer and Creative Technologist. Applicants may be new to XR, provided they can demonstrate emerging status within their existing screen or creative practice.
Projects must be intended for development in a narrative immersive format using XR technologies, with the ambition to progress towards production, market readiness and distribution.
Selected teams will benefit from a comprehensive package of financial, creative and professional support, including:
A working stipend of £1,772.80 per team member (£5,318 per team.)
A three-day in-person residency in Belfast.
Bespoke masterclasses and workshops led by XR industry leaders.
One-to-one project mentoring from world-leading XR producers and industry professionals.
Five days of rapid prototyping and creative technology support per project.
Invitation to an exclusive UK finance gap market and distribution event.
Travel and accommodation costs are covered.
Accessibility stipend, including support for childcare and additional access needs.
By the end of the programme, each team will deliver a robust development package designed to support future funding, pitching and marketplace opportunities. Programme participants will also leave with an enhanced understanding of the immersive funding landscape, production pipelines and routes to market.
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Amplify:XR Labs has been intentionally designed to support producers from backgrounds and regions that have been historically under-represented in immersive media, with paid development time, covered travel and accommodation and dedicated accessibility support built into the programme.
By removing practical and financial barriers to entry, Belfast XR Festival is working to ensure that the future of XR reflects a broader range of voices, lived experiences and creative leadership, which is essential if the sector is to grow in a fair, resilient and sustainable way.
Applicants must apply to Amplify:XR Labs before 5pm on 6th February 2026 and selected projects will be announced one week later. For further information and to apply visit belfastxrfestival.com
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