The Belfast XR Festival has unveiled Amplify:XR Labs, a new £200,000 fund specifically designed to bolster UK-wide XR development in TV, film, and games. This significant initiative aims to address a critical gap in the nation’s immersive media ecosystem, providing crucial early-stage support for new and emerging producers, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds and regions.
Launched on January 19, 2026, this programme is heralded as the first of its kind, offering strategic backing for creatives developing narrative-led XR and immersive projects. It arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, seeking to cultivate domestic talent and innovation amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.
Supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, which awards National Lottery funding, alongside Arts Council Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Immersive Arts UK, and Digital Catapult, the fund represents a concerted effort. It moves beyond merely showcasing work, actively strengthening the UK’s immersive ecosystem at its most critical juncture: early-stage producer development, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
Bridging the gap in UK XR development
Amplify:XR Labs is intentionally structured to support 10 UK-based teams, led by new or emerging producers, backed by a director/writer and creative technologists. Participants do not need to be XR experts, provided they can demonstrate emerging status within their existing screen or creative practice. Projects must focus on narrative immersive formats using XR technologies, with a clear ambition towards production, market readiness, and distribution.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial, creative, and professional support. This includes a working stipend of £1772.80 per person (totaling £5318 per team), a three-day in-person residency in Belfast, and bespoke masterclasses and workshops led by prominent XR industry leaders. Furthermore, one-to-one project mentoring from world-leading XR producers will be provided, alongside five days of rapid prototyping and creative technology support for each project.
The programme also covers all travel and accommodation costs for participants, and an additional accessibility stipend is available for those requiring childcare or other access needs. Deepa Mann-Kler, director of the Belfast XR Festival, expressed her delight at the launch, emphasizing the strategic shift to actively strengthen the UK’s immersive ecosystem.
Fostering innovation amidst industry shifts
This proactive investment in UK XR development stands in stark contrast to recent industry trends, such as Meta’s decision to shutter three VR studios and implement a 10% cut to its Reality Labs metaverse arm, as also highlighted by GamesIndustry.biz. Such moves underscore the volatility within the immersive tech sector, making initiatives like Amplify:XR Labs even more critical for sustainable growth.
The fund’s focus on supporting under-represented voices and regions contributes significantly to a more diverse and resilient creative economy. By investing in early-stage talent and providing robust development pathways, the UK aims to solidify its position as a leader in immersive media innovation. This strategic approach ensures that future advancements are not only technologically sound but also reflect a broader spectrum of creative perspectives.
Applications for Amplify:XR Labs close at 5pm on February 6, 2026, with selected projects to be announced the following week. This fund promises to be a catalyst for groundbreaking narrative XR experiences, nurturing the next generation of UK immersive storytellers and technologists, and setting a precedent for future creative funding models.
