adminThe UK XR development fund launched by Belfast XR Festival will provide £200,000 in early-stage support for teams developing narrative-led immersive projects for television, film and games. The programme combines paid development time with mentoring, creative technology support and covered travel and accommodation, aiming to help emerging producers move projects towards production and distribution.
Image credit: Amplify XR Labs
What the UK XR development fund offers
The programme is designed to support producers and creative teams from regions and backgrounds that have been under-represented in immersive media. It is backed by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, which awards National Lottery funding, in partnership with Arts Council Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Immersive Arts UK and Digital Catapult.
Ten UK-based teams will be selected. Each team should be led by a new or emerging producer and supported by a director or writer and creative technologists. Applicants do not need to be established XR specialists, but should be able to demonstrate that they are emerging within their existing screen or creative practice.
Projects must be intended for narrative immersive development using XR technologies, with the ambition to progress towards production, market readiness and distribution. Applicants should clearly explain the project’s story, the proposed immersive format and how the team’s skills support its development.
Funding, mentoring and practical support
Selected participants will receive a working stipend of £1,772.80 per person, or £5,318 per team. The programme also includes a three-day in-person residency in Belfast, masterclasses and workshops led by XR industry professionals, and one-to-one project mentoring.
- Five days of rapid prototyping and creative technology support for each project.
- An invitation to a UK event focused on finance gaps and distribution.
- Covered travel and accommodation costs for programme activities.
- An additional accessibility stipend for childcare or other access needs.
These provisions are intended to make participation more accessible while giving teams practical time and specialist input to develop their ideas. Applicants should review the programme requirements carefully and account for how they will use the mentoring and prototyping support.
Application deadline and programme aims
Applications were due by 5pm on February 6, 2026, with selected projects scheduled to be announced the following week. The programme’s director, Deepa Mann-Kler, described the initiative as a move beyond showcasing immersive work towards strengthening the sector through early-stage producer development.
The fund was announced as the UK immersive media industry faced changes, including Meta’s closure of Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games and Armature Studio following a 10% reduction in its Reality Labs metaverse division.
Why the UK XR development fund matters
Early development support can help creative teams test ideas, build working prototypes and understand potential routes to financing and distribution. For producers moving into XR from television, film or games, access to experienced mentors and creative technologists may also help clarify what an immersive format can add to a story.
The UK XR development fund focuses on emerging talent and narrative-led projects, while also addressing practical barriers such as travel, accommodation and accessibility needs. As the application deadline has passed, prospective applicants should check for future programme announcements before preparing an application.
