Ulster University launches CoSTAR Screen Lab at Studio Ulster bringing world-class virtual production research capabilities to Northern Ireland

£75.6 million national collaboration of labs set to drive the development of emerging technologies and to secure Northern Ireland’s future in the creative industries

Ulster University, recently named ‘University of the Year 2024’ in the UK and Ireland by Times Higher Education, has officially launched the CoSTAR Screen Lab – an innovative hub for research and development in virtual production and screen technologies.

The launch brings together key stakeholders from across the UK’s creative industries, marking a major milestone in Northern Ireland’s growing reputation as a leader in creative screen technologies and innovation.

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), CoSTAR is a £75.6 million national research and development network of laboratories developing next-generation technologies to cement the UK’s world-leading position in gaming, TV, film and performance.

An additional £63 million of new industry investment is supporting the programme, creating the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe.

The CoSTAR Screen Lab, based in Studio Ulster at Belfast Harbour Studios, is a state-of-the-art research and development facility led by an Ulster University-led consortium. Studio Ulster – a world-class virtual production campus – is set to become a global hub for the creative industries, pioneering advancements in virtual production, digital content creation and real-time visual effects when it opens later this year.

Professor Declan Keeney, CEO of Studio Ulster and Professor of Screen Technologies and Innovation at Ulster University commented:
“The launch of the CoSTAR Screen Lab at Ulster University is a game-changer for creative technology research and skills development in Northern Ireland. This cutting-edge facility is not just a milestone — it’s a launchpad for the next wave of innovation in virtual production and real-time content creation. By collaborating with our CoSTAR partners, we are unlocking new frontiers in digital transformation, driving forward breakthrough techniques that will redefine the future of storytelling. This is Northern Ireland’s moment to lead on the global stage, shaping the future of how content is imagined, created, and experienced.”

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, added:
“CoSTAR Screen Lab reflects Ulster University’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and delivering real-world impact and is a testament to Ulster University’s leadership in research and our commitment to advancing the screen industries in Northern Ireland.
Our investment in cutting-edge infrastructure, including Studio Ulster, ensures that we are well-positioned to drive forward new technologies that will shape the future of film, TV, games, and animation production. This pioneering facility will be a catalyst for new ideas and technologies, positioning Northern Ireland as a leader in the global creative industries.”

The launch welcomed stakeholders from AHRC, UKRI, other CoSTAR labs in the network from across the UK, Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast Harbour, and industry collaborators including Dell, BT, immersive-tech studio Retinize, and specialist animation studio Humain.

Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, said:
“The CoSTAR Screen Lab in Belfast will enable companies regionally, nationally and globally to access world-leading Research and Development facilities and expertise to capitalise on the opportunities offered by virtual production and real-time technologies for film, TV, gaming, and digital entertainment.
As part of the CoSTAR network it will play a key role in ensuring that the UK’s creative industries act as a key driver of growth as identified in the government’s industrial strategy. AHRC is proud to work with remarkable, innovative researchers in the fast moving and dynamic world of film and screen to shape the future of technology.”

Attendees enjoyed demonstrations of the screen technologies and presentations of thought leadership from experts across creative media. They also met with groups of participants in S.U.R.F (Skills for Urban and Rural Futures) scheme, a programme delivered by the CoSTAR Screen Lab team in collaboration with Future Screens NI, designed to address the lack of opportunities for young people in urban and rural communities by training them in virtual production and games design technologies.

A number of CoSTAR Network funding calls aimed at furthering technological innovation within the sector have been announced, with more due in March. These include the Prototypes and Pilots Programme and the Enterprise and Commercialisation calls which are designed to support companies to push the boundaries of the capabilities of virtual technologies and workflows.

For more information about CoSTAR and its impact on the UK’s creative industries, visit www.costarnetwork.co.uk, or follow the CoSTAR Network on LinkedIn and Instagram @costarnetwork