Abertay University launches £9 million lab to boost Scotland’s games and entertainment sectors
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Abertay University has opened a new £9 million ($11.3m) CoSTAR Realtime Lab in Dundee, Scotland.
The university said the lab will drive economic growth in Scotland’s screen, games, immersive, and performance industries.
Abertay added that CoSTAR Network is the “largest investment in creative industries R&D to date” as it’s backed by a £75.6m ($95.2m) UKRI Infrastructure Fund grant and managed by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University and operated in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, CodeBase, Interface, and Chroma Developments.
The Lab is based at Chroma Developments’ Water’s Edge in Dundee, with a second studio led by the University of Edinburgh set to open at First Stage Studios in March 2025.
The CoSTAR Network also includes the £3.6m ($4.5m) Pilots and Prototypes Programme (PPP) to help UK companies develop new ideas using technical and research support.
Creating new opportunities
“With the technologies that power our screen-based experiences in film, games and performance rapidly converging there’s an opportunity for companies working in these sectors to diversify their offer, explore new markets and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in their sectors,” said director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab Professor Gregor White.
“Bringing together international-quality academic researchers with industry experience and enterprise support, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a truly collaborative project which will break down barriers for the Scottish creative industries, encourage entrepreneurship and experimentation, and provide a space where innovation can flourish.”
UK government Scottish secretary Ian Murray added: “This project is beyond exciting – the possibilities it creates for the entertainment industry are endless. The UK Government’s investment in cutting-edge initiatives like this is central to our Plan for Change to create the jobs and opportunities that will raise living standards right across the UK.
“It’s a tremendous feather in the cap of Brand Scotland too, demonstrating to the world that Dundee and Scotland is a centre of excellence for the screen and gaming industries as we push into new markets and further strengthen the sector. I wish the team at Abertay University every success with the opening of the new facility.”
