XR Labs Fund

End date: 11 September 2025

Supporting new technology development and prototyping in UK universities

The XR Labs Fund is an opportunity for researchers and technicians at UK universities to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to develop extended reality (XR) prototypes, with a particular focus on virtual production technologies and convergent media.

The full economic cost (FEC) of projects can be up to £25,000. XR Network+ will fund 80% (£20,000) of FEC. 

The Fund aims to expand the number and scope of innovative research and development (R&D) projects working with XR technologies delivered through UK university facilities. It aims to broaden access to higher education virtual production infrastructure and foster inter-university and academic-industry collaborations.

Projects must therefore utilise university infrastructure, either at the applicant’s home institution, or at another university, through mutual collaboration with that institution. 

XR Network+ encourages applications from individuals or teams who haven’t applied for, or led, a research project before. The XR Labs Fund guidance document (available in the ‘how to apply’ section on this web page) includes information on support available for people navigating the funding application process for the first time. 

Eligible activities

XR Labs Fund grants are available to support the following project activities:

• Academic-led R&D with an industry partner, focusing on prototype development and rigorous user-testing.
• Demonstrable use of UK university based XR facilities and infrastructure to develop and deliver XR R&D.
• Collaborative initiatives between universities, combining resources and expertise for innovative XR applications.
• Engagement of external specialists to deliver training and skills development to university technical teams.

Projects must align with one or more of the XR Network+ themes.

Timeline

The XR Labs Fund pre and post-award infographic provides more information about the process, including actions for XR Network+ team members and project leads at each stage.

How to apply

1. Read the XR Labs Fund guidance document (Word). A PDF version of the document is also available to download. 
2. Complete the XR Labs Fund application form (Word). A PDF version of the form is also available to download.
3. Complete a project budget and project work plan
4. Upload your application form, budget and work plan to the XR Labs Fund submission portal by 12:00pm on Thursday 11 September 2025. 

For more information, please email [email protected]