XR Network+ launches new round of R&D funding

XR Network+ has launched a new round of research and development (R&D) grants to expand the number of innovative R&D projects working with extended reality (XR) technologies at UK university facilities. 

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

The Fund aims to broaden access to higher education virtual production infrastructure, fostering inter-university and academic-industry collaborations and facilitating access for early career researchers and research technicians who haven’t previously led a research project.

John Rose Adams, Associate Director R&D, XR Network+ says: “Right now at XR Network+ we’re interested in understanding and addressing the barriers experienced by individuals traditionally marginalised from winning R&D grant funding.

We’re also interested in increasing and widening access to VP and XR facilities at UK universities. The XR Labs Fund will support new projects and collaborations to develop new technologies and technical workflows, helping institutions find their unique specialisms and optimise use of their infrastructure.”

UK Research and Innovation Full Economic Cost (FEC) Grants Standard Terms and Conditions will be applicable to the funding. The full economic cost of projects can be up to £25,000 and XR Network+ will fund 80% (£20,000) of FEC. 

Applications close on 11 September 2025.

Published on 14 July 2025