Ulster University launches CoSTAR Screen Lab at Belfast Harbour Studios
CoSTAR Screen Lab launch is a milestone in Northern Ireland’s reputation for creative screen technologies and innovation
The CoSTAR Screen Lab, based in Studio Ulster at Belfast Harbour Studios, launched its 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.
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.
An additional £63 million of new industry investment is supporting the programme, creating the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe.
Professor Declan Keeney, CEO of Studio Ulster and Professor of Screen Technologies and Innovation at Ulster University (pictured) 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.”
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.
Also announced was pre-registration for the CoSTAR Screen Lab Call designed to support creative and innovative use cases for 5G across the screen and performance sectors opening on 31 March (PPP) and a reminder to sign up for the open CoSTAR Ideate Call (E&C) cross network access programme.