Creative Innovation Lab

The Creative Innovation Lab is an EU-wide grant that offers companies, start-ups, non-profit organizations, and public institutions from EU member states the opportunity to jointly develop and disseminate innovative tools, models, or solutions in the audiovisual sector together with at least one other area – music, publishing, or museums. The objective is to strengthen the environmental transformation and competitiveness of the cultural and creative industries, promote cross-border dissemination, and increase the visibility, availability, and diversity of European content in the digital age. Additionally, the program supports adaptation to artificial intelligence and the integration of virtual worlds to enable new storytelling formats and immersive experiences.

Projects must demonstrate a clear cross-border cooperation between the audiovisual sector and at least one other cultural/creative field. Funding is particularly aimed at initiatives involving virtual worlds as a new platform for audience expansion, innovative business tools (e.g., AI-supported data analytics, blockchain-based rights management), and “greener” practices in line with the European Green Deal. Costs for content production and cultural events are not eligible for funding. The submission deadline is April 23, 2026, at 17:00 (Brussels time), with a budget framework of approximately EUR 7 million (year 2026). The call targets a broad spectrum of actors – from tech start-ups and cultural organizations to business incubators – to realize cross-sectoral solutions that combine ecological sustainability with digital innovation.