MusicFutures Future Live Fan Experiences

We are interested in innovative solutions that demonstrate how emerging technologies can transform fan experiences. Example project areas include:

– Immersive & extended reality (XR) experiences enabled by high-capacity 5G. 

– AI & XR driven audience participation (real-time feedback, adaptive content, personalised experiences).

– Novel approaches to fan engagement and fan co-creation before, during and after the events.

– Operational innovation (safety, inclusivity, customer experience) that enhances the overall event journey.

– Scalable participatory technologies that work across both medium venues and large-scale arenas.

– Democratic and accessible workflows that utilise markerless, low-cost systems or tools designed for non-programmers to ensure scalability and wider accessibility.

– Exploring the end-to-end event journey (pre-purchase, build up, in-show, post-show).

– Solutions for distributed and hybrid in person and remote live experiences.

– Prototyping  multi-platform distribution models (e.g., targeting younger audiences via gaming platforms).

Successful applicants will receive:

– Financial Resources: Up to £25K per project to support R&D activity (SME-led projects funded by MusicFutures will be at £25K at 100% of project costs).

– Access to creative and technical support: Through XR Network+ and MusicFutures’ teams.

– Use of testbeds: Real world venue testing opportunities, including cutting-edge high-bandwidth 5G OpenRAN connectivity at Liverpool Experience Campus.

– Collaborative environments: Access to researchers, industry mentors, and event operators / promoters.

– Visibility: Potential connections with global cultural events and industry leaders.

Impact: Opportunity to shape the future of live experiences and contribute to Liverpool’s position as a global beacon for creative innovation.

The Challenge is open to companies, creative industry innovators, researchers and research technicians, and technology developers. 

Collaborations across industry and academia are encouraged.

SME-led projects (MusicFutures funded)

– Project leads must be a UK registered company.

– In addition, SME project leads must be registered, or significantly based, in the Liverpool City Region  and have a project idea focused on music fan experiences. Project funding will be administered by University of Liverpool through subgrant agreement.

– SME Projects are funded at 100% of project costs, inclusive of VAT, including labour (staff), materials, subcontractors, equipment and other costs

• Equipment costs — maximum of 20% of project grant for equipment and capital purchase costs.
• Subcontracting— up to 70% maximum subcontracting costs, with a maximum 30% outside of Liverpool City Region
• We are keen to see projects that demonstrate additional co-investment/in kind contributions at application stage. Ideally 1:1. 

– Projects must comply with Minimal Financial Assistance subsidy controls, meaning that your organisation must fall within the £315K limit over 3 years, please refer to Subsidy Control Act 2022 for more information. 

– Projects should demonstrate social value across environmental sustainability and inclusivity. 

All projects (Academic and SME)

– Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver R&D projects that can be prototyped and tested within the programme timeframe.

– All project costings must be signed off by an appropriate line manager or academic supervisor.

– Standard ethical procedures and approvals at the applicant’s institution must be followed.

Activities ineligible for funding

– Procurement of new capital equipment is limited to 20% of total costs for SME led projects.

– Production expenses unrelated to R&D.

– Projects primarily aimed at university teaching or curriculum development.

– 13 April 2026 – Call Opens

– 22nd April 2026 – Funding Call Q&A Webinar

– 29 May 2026 (1.00pm GMT) – Call Deadline

– July 2026 – Selected Applicants Notified

– 1st October 2026 – Project Start Date

– 31st March 2027 (duration 6 months) – Project End Date

Applicants must complete and submit the application form and supporting documents by 1.00pm BST on 29th May 2026.

Required submission documents include:

– Application form.

– Additional supporting information (i.e. pitch decks etc).

Links to all resources and the submission portal can also be found on the Current open calls page of the XR Network+ website, and the MusicFutures website under the Opportunities Section and Key Information Tab of selected funding call.