Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund

Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is back for its second round and is now accepting proposals for funding, targeting innovative R&D projects that aim to decarbonise or reduce waste within the Creative Industries. With a total grant pot of £250,000, the fund is designed to support creative entrepreneurs and companies in the UK working towards reducing their environmental impact and contributing to net-zero goals. 

What is it?

A bespoke fund offering a total grant pot of £250,000 for creative entrepreneurs and companies working within the Creative industries in the UK. The fund will finance research and development of an innovative new product/system or process that decarbonises or reduces waste within the Creative Industries, reducing impact on our climate and/or leading us towards net zero. 

The proposed new product/system or process will enable companies to build upon their creative and commercial ideas, creating opportunity for business growth. 

For Round 2 – the £250,000 funding pot will be allocated as follows: 

• 1 award of up to £100,000 for more established businesses with market traction and customers of a product, ideally with co-investment in place 
• 2 awards of up to £50,000 each for businesses 2+ years old looking to develop a new product or idea 
• 2 awards of up to £25,000 each – very early-stage/new businesses and R&D ideas

You cannot submit multiple applications, only one submission per company will be accepted. 

Who is it for?

The Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is open to Creative Industries SMEs registered and trading in the UK.   Please note – if you applied for Round 1 and were unsuccessful, please do not apply again with the same idea. 

Your proposal must:   

• be from the creative industries and support the creative industries.   
• demonstrate clear benefits for the UK creative industry and the wider UK.   
• focus on a clear opportunity and the proposed innovation which addresses it  
• address and engage in cross-sector innovation that has positive impact on the environment

Your project must:  

• Have a total grant funding request of either £100,000, £50,000 or £25,000 
• Start by 01/10/2024  
• All projects must be completed and budgets allocated by 31st March 2025  
• Carry out all of its project work in the UK   
• Intend to exploit the results from or in the UK   

*Project budgets can exceed the requested amount but any additional funding must be clearly identified and in place* 

Applications are invited from Registered Ltd Companies/SMEs based in the UK and working in the following sub-sectors of the Creative Industries:   

• Music & Sound   
• Advertising & Marketing  
• Crafts  
• Visual Arts  
• Dance, Theatre & Performance  
• Architecture  
• Publishing  
• AR, VR & Immersive   
• Createch  
• TV & Broadcasting  
• Film  
• Gaming   

Due to the availability of other funds and support – we will not be accepting applications from: 

• Fashion businesses/products/ideas 
• Monitoring or reporting tools for the sector – these are already in existence and we’re looking for new cross cutting ideas. 

Proposals need to be for new projects – projects that are already in progress can't be funded. 

You must provide a robust delivery plan, finance model and budget and demonstrate how this grant will positively impact not only our climate but also the growth and sustainability of your business. 

Applications are now open

Apply here

The deadline for applications is Monday 22 July at 9am. 

Any questions? Contact creative.catalyst@wearecreative.uk