Northern Light Incubator

The Northern Light Incubator will run two cohorts with a maximum of six businesses. The programme consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Northern Light Selection

Shortlisted applicants that meet programme criteria, will undergo a Stage 1 company diagnostic to assess programme readiness, before final selection at Stage 2.

Up to 14 Stage 1 companies will be selected each year and will:

• Receive feedback on their application and be provided with advice and guidance on their proposal's next steps.
• Participate in a one-day workshop to upskill, inform and familiarise themselves with the facilities on offer at CoSTAR Screen Lab and Studio Ulster.
• Benefit from accessing Northern Light programme in-person masterclasses, followed by peer-to-peer networking.
• Join the Northern Light Network, a community of Northern Ireland businesses who apply, participate or engage with CoSTAR Screen Lab and Studio Ulster, and remain connected with broader company development and support on an ongoing basis.

Cohort One: January 2027

Cohort Two: July 2027

Stage 2: The six-month Accelerator

As a result of the company diagnostic process and workshop, two cohorts six companies selected to participate on the programme over the next six months.

Businesses will have access to:

• Dedicated desk space for six months within a professional working VP studio and environment.
• VP studio facilities and resources for IP development, testing and validation.
• A structured mentorship programme with leading industry experts in business, creative and technical fields.
• Industry masterclasses.
• Peer-to-peer cohort networking and cross-cohort support.
• The Northern Light Network, a community of businesses, funders, investors and researchers.
• Work placement students from Ulster Screen Academy courses.
• Research and industry expertise from Ulster Screen Academy and CoSTAR Screen Lab.

Cohort One: February to July 2027

Cohort Two: September 2027 to February 2028

Expected outcomes of the project is for participating companies to have:

• Developed and validated new concepts or built working prototypes or use cases
• Strengthened business model and commercial opportunities
• Improved funding and investor readiness
• Built new capabilities, knowledge and skills
• Joined a peer-to-peer Northern Light Network for ongoing engagement and support from local partners, investors and stakeholders.