Application Deadline:
15 October 2026
About Organisation
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and funds outstanding research across arts and humanities disciplines. AHRC supports projects that encourage innovation, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and economic growth by connecting universities, researchers, businesses, and public organisations. Through its funding programmes, the council promotes the commercialisation of research and helps transform academic discoveries into practical solutions that benefit society and industry. The Creative Industries Research Grant UK 2026 reflects AHRC’s commitment to strengthening the UK’s creative economy through improved commercialisation practices, strategic partnerships, and sustainable innovation across the sector.
About the Grant
The Creative Industries Research Grant UK 2026 supports the development of a practical university commercialisation guide specifically designed for the creative industries. The project aims to remove barriers to commercialising research by creating transparent frameworks for intellectual property, licensing, spin-outs, equity arrangements, and collaboration between universities, founders, investors, and industry partners. Funding will support research, stakeholder engagement, workshops, consultations, and dissemination activities over a 12-month period. The guide will provide practical recommendations and best practices that strengthen innovation, improve commercialisation pathways, and encourage wider adoption of effective commercial models throughout the UK’s creative industries ecosystem.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to eligible UK universities and organisations that meet UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) eligibility requirements. The lead applicant must demonstrate experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, commercialising creative industries research, and coordinating sector-wide collaborations. Partnerships should include organisations experienced in research commercialisation as well as investors or investment-focused organisations with a strong track record in the creative industries. Applicants should possess expertise in innovation, governance, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and stakeholder engagement. A detailed project plan, evidence-based methodology, partner commitment letters, and compliance with relevant UKRI requirements are expected as part of the application.
How to Apply?
Eligible organisations should review the programme guidance, establish partnerships with universities, investors, and creative industry organisations, and prepare a practical proposal for the commercialisation guide. Applications should include a delivery plan, project milestones, methodology, budget, and letters of commitment from project partners. Submit the completed application before 15 October 2026 following AHRC application procedures.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 15 October 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
