Applications Open for Commercialisation of Creative Industries Research Grant (UK)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is inviting applications for a grant to develop a sector-specific university commercialisation guide for the creative industries. The programme provides funding of up to £250,000 for a 12-month project that will strengthen collaboration between universities, founders, investors, and other stakeholders to support the commercialisation of creative industries research.

AHRC Creative Industries Commercialisation Guide Grant

The grant supports the development of a practical university commercialisation guide tailored to the creative industries. The guide will help address early-stage barriers to commercialisation by establishing practical frameworks, transparent commercial practices, and sector-specific guidance for universities, researchers, founders, investors, and industry partners.

Projects must begin by 1 April 2027 and be completed within 12 months.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support the commercialisation of creative industries research.
• Develop a sector-specific university commercialisation guide.
• Improve collaboration between universities and industry.
• Strengthen relationships between founders and investors.
• Promote fair and transparent commercial agreements.
• Address barriers to research commercialisation.
• Encourage wider adoption of best commercialisation practices.
• Build confidence across the creative industries innovation ecosystem.

Priority Areas

The guide should address:

• Creative industries commercialisation.
• University spin-outs.
• Commercialisation pathways.
• Intellectual property management.
• Founding equity.
• Licensing models.
• Deal-making practices.
• University commercialisation processes.
• Project timelines.
• Spin-out readiness.
• Governance frameworks.
• Collaboration between universities, investors, founders, and industry.
• International best practice.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

• Sector-wide consultations.
• Workshops.
• Roundtable discussions.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Research and evidence gathering.
• Development of practical commercialisation frameworks.
• Preparation of the commercialisation guide.
• Dissemination and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Project management.
• Travel and subsistence.
• Professional services directly related to the project.

The guide should:

• Reflect multiple commercialisation pathways.
• Address intellectual property considerations relevant to creative industries.
• Recommend practical deal terms.
• Promote fair and transparent agreements.
• Strengthen collaboration across the sector.

Funding Available

The programme provides:

• Up to £250,000 Full Economic Cost (FEC)

AHRC will fund:

• 100% of the project cost

Project duration:

• 12 months

Projects must begin by:

• 1 April 2027

Eligible Costs

Funding may cover:

• Travel and subsistence.
• Workshops.
• Consultations.
• Roundtables.
• Project management.
• Professional services.
• Other eligible costs directly related to developing, producing, and disseminating the guide.

The following costs are not eligible:

• Staff time provided as part of existing organizational roles.
• Fees for external contributors such as founders and investors.
• Costs unrelated to producing the guide.

These contributions are expected to be provided in kind.

Who is Eligible?

Applications must be led by:

• An eligible university.
• An organization meeting standard UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) eligibility requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Capacity to lead sector-wide collaboration.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Expertise in creative industries commercialisation.
• Knowledge of investment and entrepreneurship.
• Leadership in innovation and commercial development.
• Governance expertise.
• Strong stakeholder engagement capability.

Partnerships must include:

• Organizations experienced in commercialising creative industries research.
• Investors or investment-facing organizations with a strong sector track record.

Application Requirements

Applications should include:

• A clear delivery plan.
• Project timelines and milestones.
• An evidence-based methodology.
• Strong letters of commitment from project partners.
• A practical proposal for producing a widely adoptable guide.

Applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with UK Research and Innovation’s Trusted Research and Innovation principles for international collaboration.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Strength of the partnership.
• Expertise in creative industries commercialisation.
• Sector knowledge.
• Collaborative capability.
• Quality of the delivery plan.
• Evidence-led methodology.
• Practicality and usability of the proposed guide.
• Potential for sector-wide adoption.

Why This Grant Matters

Commercialising creative industries research often involves unique intellectual property, business, and investment challenges. This programme seeks to create practical guidance that supports stronger collaboration between universities, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry while encouraging fair, transparent, and effective commercialisation practices across the UK creative industries sector.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should:

1. Review the funding opportunity guidance.
2. Build partnerships with relevant universities, investors, and creative industries organizations.
3. Develop a practical proposal for the commercialisation guide.
4. Prepare a detailed delivery plan with milestones.
5. Obtain letters of commitment from project partners.
6. Prepare an evidence-based budget.
7. Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Application Tips

• Demonstrate extensive experience in creative industries commercialisation.
• Include strong partnerships representing universities, investors, and industry.
• Develop a practical guide that can be widely adopted.
• Clearly explain how stakeholder consultation will be undertaken.
• Provide realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.
• Ensure the proposal reflects international best practice where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Eligible universities and organizations that meet UKRI eligibility requirements and can lead sector-wide collaboration.

How much funding is available?

Projects may receive up to £250,000, with AHRC funding 100% of the project cost.

How long can projects last?

Projects may run for 12 months and must begin by 1 April 2027.

What is the main objective of the grant?

To develop a practical university commercialisation guide tailored specifically to the creative industries.

What partnerships are required?

Applications must include organizations experienced in creative industries commercialisation and investors or investment-focused organizations with relevant expertise.

What activities are eligible for funding?

Eligible activities include consultations, workshops, stakeholder engagement, research, project management, professional services, travel, and dissemination directly related to developing the guide.

Conclusion

The AHRC Creative Industries Commercialisation Guide Grant provides an opportunity for universities and sector partners to develop a practical framework that supports the successful commercialisation of creative industries research. By strengthening collaboration between researchers, founders, investors, and industry stakeholders, the programme aims to improve commercial outcomes and promote consistent, transparent, and effective commercialisation practices across the creative industries.

For more information, visit UKRI.