CoSTAR Emerge-AI

CoSTAR Emerge-AI - part of the CoSTAR AI for Creativity initiative - has been developed to support start-ups and SMEs entering the early growth phase in the tech and creative industries through AI-inspired innovation. Through the CoSTAR National Lab, Emerge-AI offers a tailored programme that provides essential support aligned with the unique needs of an early stage company.

Over three months, the programme will help companies take their prototype through to initial validation, decide on a project pathway, refine it, refine how they present it, understand their market, have a chance test it out with potential customers and then have the chance to present their early-stage business concepts to key members of the CoStar Network.  

The programme combines in-person workshops, dedicated time with experts & mentors from the CoSTAR Network, and structured user-testing sessions with your target customers - giving your startup the practical tools, guidance, and real-world feedback needed to take a confident next step towards making your AI business a reality. 

In summary: 

• 3 month period 
• 20 companies selected  
• 4 x 2 day workshops with bespoke masterclasses 
• 2 x opportunities to book in office hours with lead mentors  
• Enhanced access to Cloud credits 
• Access to tester/user community 
• National Lab & Foresight Lab collaboration on key components  

CoSTAR Emerge-AI gives early-stage & SME stage creative tech startups everything they need to turn their AI concept into a viable business, combining world-class expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and hands-on support tailored to your growth stage. 

Key Benefits: 

• £5,000 stipend to cover early-stage business costs 
• Cloud credits - enhanced access to support product development 
• 4 x 2-day workshops with bespoke masterclasses tailored to your growth stage 
• Mentorship and office hours with senior industry experts 
• Structured user testing with your target customers, facilitated by the programme 
• Access to the CoSTAR National Lab and Foresight Lab for research collaboration 
• Commercialisation support covering IP, routes to market, and funding strategies 
• No equity taken and no application fees — a genuinely risk-free opportunity 
• Cohort of 20 companies, offering peer learning and network-building opportunities 
• Pitch opportunity to present your business to key members of the CoSTAR Network 

Participants will typically be start-up or SME companies who: 

• Early-stage AI startups/SMEs that have a working proof of concept but need help refining and validating it before going to market 
• Creative technology companies building tools or platforms for film, TV, theatre, gaming, or live performance 
• Pre-revenue or early-revenue businesses that need structured support before approaching investors 
• Founders seeking investment who need help shaping their commercial proposition and refining their prototypes with guidance from experts. 
• Tech companies with a creative sector application — such as AI tools for content creation, production, post-production, or audience engagement 
• Small teams (2+ people) with strong technical skills but limited business or commercialisation experience 
• Companies needing compute power that lack the budget to access cloud infrastructure independently 
• Startups exploring ethical or responsible AI applications within creative industries 
• Businesses targeting niche creative markets that would benefit from structured user testing with real customers 
• Companies developing IP-heavy products that need guidance on protecting and exploiting their intellectual property 
• Diverse or under represented founders who may face additional barriers to entry and could benefit from the programme's EDI focus 
• UK-based startups/SMEs looking to scale and build connections across the wider CoSTAR network 
• May be pre-revenue or early revenue generating

• Applicants should have a working knowledge of AI and be able to demonstrate practical experience using it as a core component of their product or solution. 
• All applicants must be at least at POC stage with their product/innovation. 
• All applicants must be a UK-registered UK business of a minimum of two people engaged.  
• Be from or support the Creative Industries sector. 
• Have an operation and / or project team based in the UK.   
• Carry out all its project activity in the UK.   
• Intend to exploit the results of work from or in the UK.  
• Applicants looking to build a business and raise funding or investment within the next 12 months. 

Projects are assessed against the following programme criteria: 

Problem & Solution [20%]  

The applicant should demonstrate that their company is addressing a clear problem in the creative sector, as well as applying advanced technologies to tackle the challenges in the selected focus areas.   

Growth Potential [20%]  

The company should be capable of identifying the key challenges they are facing in the market. They should be able to identify a clear use for potential future investment.  

Ability to Execute [20%] 

The company and its employees should have the necessary experience and skill to consistently develop, deliver and commercialise their solution.  

Impact, EDI & Sustainability  [20%]

Consider the potential impact (Diversity, inclusion and sustainability) of the proposed solution and how it will benefit the challenge owner, their audience, and the broader creative landscape.  

CoSTAR Resources [20%] 

The company should clearly identify how the support on offer through the CoSTAR National Lab, will meet their IP development pipeline and needs. 

If you are successfully shortlisted for the programme, you will be invited to a 20 minute chat to find out more and make sure the programme is right for you.