IP Accelerator Fund
REACH Funding
The North East Screen IP Accelerator Fund supports companies in the region to turn strong ideas into commercially viable IP, products and services for the screen sector.
The fund is aimed at commercial and ambitious businesses with a track record of trading.
What the fund supports:
We are looking to support activity that:
- progresses IP with a clear route to market
- strengthens a company’s commercial strategy or positioning
- develops products or services for the screen sector
- unlocks new income opportunities linked to screen industry
Full eligibility and guidance can be found in the programme guidelines.
Funding available
Funding is available at three levels, reflecting the scale of activity and how close a project or offer is to market:
Level 1: £1,000–£2,500
Designed for focused, short-term activity that helps unlock a specific opportunity linked to IP or a screen-facing offer. This might include securing rights, development materials, or specialist input needed to move an existing idea forward.
Level 2: up to £10,000
Intended to support activity that strengthens the commercial potential of existing IP, products or services. This may include development tied to a defined route to market, bringing in specialist expertise, or work that improves the positioning and readiness of projects for buyers, partners or audiences.
Level 3: up to £25,000
Aimed at significant activity that moves IP, products or services towards commissioning, investment or income generation. This level is for proposals with clear market traction and a defined route to commercial outcomes, such as progressing projects already in active discussions with partners or buyers.
All awards are match funded on a 50:50 basis.
Who can apply
The fund is open to established companies based in the North East of England who are actively working in, or supplying to, the screen sector. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of trading and show how their proposal contributes to innovative commercially viable products / services for screen-industry.
Key Dates
Applications open: Monday 9 March 2026
Application deadline: Tuesday 5 May 2026, 12pm
Assessment period: May – early June 2026
Applicants notified of outcome: Mid to Late June 2026
Projects can begin: From July 2026 (or after formal offer and agreement)
Projects must end by: 31st January 2027
This is expected to be the main funding round for this programme in 2026, and may be the only opportunity to apply this year.
How to apply
Complete the application form, and provide the required supporting documents (from Section 3 on the application form). Return these to development@northeastscreen.org
Applicants should read the full programme guidelines before applying.
For queries, contact: development@northeastscreen.org
If you would like to have a meeting with us to discuss an application, please book in a time using these links:
Online meetings – Every Thursday during application window – Book here.
In person meetings –
Hartlepool – Thursday 12th March – Book here
Darlington – Thursday 26th March – Book here
Newcastle – Thursday 2nd April – Book here
Stockton – Thursday 9th April – Book here
FAQ Section
Who is this fund for?
The fund is for established companies already working in, or supplying to, the screen sector. It is not intended for individuals, freelancers or businesses at a start-up stage.
Do I need match funding?
Yes. The fund operates on a 50:50 match basis. For every £1 requested, applicants must contribute £1 of their own cash spend to the project.
Can match funding be staff time or in-kind support?
No. Match funding must be cash expenditure directly linked to the project.
Can I apply for more than one project?
You may include more than one activity within a single application where they form part of a coherent proposal. Multiple separate applications from the same company are not encouraged.
Can I apply if the activity has already started?
No. Funding cannot be used retrospectively. The activity must take place after a formal offer is made.
What type of projects do you fund?
We support activity that helps companies develop or commercialise IP, products or services for the screen sector. This might include development of projects with a clear route to market, work that strengthens a company’s commercial strategy or positioning, or activity that unlocks new income opportunities connected to screen-based work.
We do not fund general business costs, speculative research, or activity unrelated to the screen sector. For more information, please see the guidelines.
What are you looking for?
The proposed activity could aim to unlock additional investment (commission or contract) from a broadcaster, increase business turnover or result in more staff being retained or employed.
Do I need to submit a business plan?
Yes. Applicants must submit a current 3–5 year business plan showing how the proposed activity fits within their wider strategy.
Will incomplete applications be accepted?
No. Applications must be complete at the point of submission. Missing documents or information may result in the application being deemed ineligible.
Who will assess applications?
Applications will be assessed by independent industry experts against published criteria, with final decisions approved by North East Screen.
