Creative Tech Labs is a fully-funded 3-day workshop, in partnership with MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH), designed to assist businesses with early-stage creative technology projects and require guidance to advance, implement or launch it.
Our next Creative Tech Labs begins: October 2025
Explore, prototype and test your creative tech project
If your project sits at the intersection of creativity and technology, uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), or Immersive Technology we can help incubate and guide your R&D concepts into real-world products, processes or services.
Register your interest
To register for Creative Tech Labs, please complete the short form in the link below.
Creative Tech Labs is a fully-funded a programme meaning that attendance does not cost you or your business anything.
Workshop Highlights:
- From concept to market: Explore and validate your innovation in a supportive environment, with expert facilitation.
- Commercialise your ideas: Gain practical insights into creating a commercially viable business model.
- Leverage R&D support: Identify funding opportunities and learn how to position your innovation for investment.
- Develop your innovation playbook: Use the design sprint methodology to refine and accelerate your idea.
- Prepare to launch: Develop a tailored Innovation Action Plan, outlining your next steps for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common queries to help you understand how the programme works, who it’s for, and what to expect. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to get in touch!
What is Creative Tech Labs?
Creative Tech Labs is a fully-funded, 3-day innovation support programme run by MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub (MITIH). It’s designed to help businesses and creatives working with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Immersive Media, and Virtual production, to develop their ideas into viable products or services.
Participants get access to expert-led workshops, business model development, funding advice, and a tailored innovation roadmap.
Who is Creative Tech Labs for?
This programme will help your startup, studio, SME or business develop an R&D or innovation project relating to creative technologies. Whether you’re at the start of your innovation journey, developing a prototype or looking for guidance on activation, implementation or commercialisation, Creative Tech Labs can help you advance to the next step.
Is my business eligible to take part in Creative Tech Labs?
If you meet the following criteria, then Creative Tech Labs could be your business’ perfect next step…
Requirements:
- Your businesses is interested in leveraging creative technologies including (but not limited to) artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), spatial computing, immersive tech and virtual production.
- Your business needs support in evaluating commercial potential, identifying funding opportunities, and developing a market-ready strategy.
- You are looking for expert guidance on building a sustainable business model around innovation.
If you are ensure whether your business meets the criteria, please do not hesitate to contact us at sustainable-innovation@salford.ac.uk
Why should my business take part in Creative Tech Labs?
By the end of the programme you will have a clear roadmap for your innovation journey, ensuring you are ready to advance your project with confidence.
- Benefit from a safe environment for you to explore ideas relating to AI, VR or Immersive Tech innovations.
- Get guidance and advice on the process of building a viable business model around your innovation project.
- Build your understanding of the wider market opportunity and funding landscape.
- Refine your innovation idea by leveraging the design sprint philosophy.
- Explore new ideas and strategies around business model innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
- You will leave the programme with an Innovation Action Plan that will help you build your innovation activity.
How much will Creative Tech Labs cost my business?
Nothing! Creative Tech Labs is a fully-funded 3-day workshop, all you need to spend is your time.
Where will the Creative Tech Labs workshops take place?
Each workshop will be taking place at:
HOST Salford
Blue Tower
MediaCityUK
Salford
M50 2ST
Whether you’re a freelancer, small studio, or established business, we’re here to support your innovation journey in:
- Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
- Virtual Production for Film & TV
- Interactive Technologies like Gaming and Esports
No matter your sector, from film, TV, gaming, arts and culture to retail, education, health, manufacturing, and beyond, if you’re using creative technology, you belong here.
Not sure if Creative Tech Labs is the right fit?
Let’s find out together. Chat with our team to see how we can support your project.
Radina Ivanova
Partnership and Collaboration Manager
R.Ivanova@salford.ac.uk
Matt Luetchford
Business Development Associate
M.J.Luetchford@salford.ac.uk