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2026 Creative, Digital and Tech Round-Up
As we approach the end of 2026, here’s our round-up of the latest creative and digital sector news from across the Liverpool City Region. From new music-tech hubs to investments for start-ups, the region continues to create exciting opportunities for young people to develop their skills and build careers in the creative industries.
Jill Davies, the Studio’s Principal, says: “There is so much happening across the region, from music and technology to film and sustainability. These developments are creating new opportunities for young people to be part of the future of our creative industries.”
House of Music & Entertainment comes to Liverpool
A new music innovation hub has launched at Liverpool’s Royal Court. H.O.M.E (House of Music & Entertainment) is a creative workspace and network bringing together leaders and innovators from across the music and music-tech landscape.
H.O.M.E already has hubs and partner locations in London, Berlin and Tokyo. The Liverpool hub will host industry networking events, investor showcases, international trade delegations, business development programmes and collaborative innovation projects.
Andy Allen, CEO of H.O.M.E, says: “Liverpool has developed one of the UK’s most exciting music ecosystems, making it the ideal location for our next hub and an important addition to our global network.”
Baltic Ventures announces Accelerator 2026 cohort
Accelerator by Baltic Ventures is a three-month programme for digital tech startups. It provides companies with an initial £25,000 investment, and the chance to secure a follow-up investment of £75,000.
The eight companies joining the 2026 cohort have been announced. They’ve been selected from 400 applications and work across AI, energy, health and property technology, with four of the selected companies based in the Liverpool City Region.
The programme began in September and will deliver weekly sessions until Demo Day on 26th November. It also includes a trip to startup event Slush Helsinki, and a London Investor Dinner.
Since 2023, Baltic Ventures, an early-stage tech accelerator and angel investment platform based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, has backed 65 companies which have collectively raised £15.2m.
Liverpool shortlisted for ‘City of Innovation’ award
Liverpool is among 15 finalists in the running for the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) inaugural ‘City of Innovation’ award.
Liverpool’s bid for the award pledges to develop a new innovation strategy for future growth, and engage communities and young people through innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, says: “From life sciences and AI to advanced manufacturing and our creative industries, we’ve got some of the brightest minds in the world working here and turning brilliant ideas into real-world solutions.”
POP is back
Future Yard in Birkenhead will host POP4, the fourth edition of POP, a climate conference for arts, culture and music.
On 19th November, venue owners, business leaders, creatives, academics and industry professionals will come together to help shape a greener future for the creative industries. The event will be powered by Ecotricity Business, the founders of the global green energy supply movement.
The day will involve interactive sessions that explore policymaking and sustainable practice, renewable energy, and the future of transport.
BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development scheme
For aspiring comedy writers, BBC Comedy and Liverpool Film Office have launched a major new development project which aims to support distinctive regional voices from Liverpool City Region.
The project is designed to develop a returning sitcom that captures Liverpool’s unique voice, humour and talent. Projects will be selected by the end of November 2026, and final drafts of scripts will be submitted by the end of March 2027.
Applicants must be originally from or currently based in the Liverpool City Region and have the support of an independent production company.
Emma Lawson, Interim Director of BBC Comedy, says: “Liverpool has long been home to some of the UK’s most distinctive comedy voices. Following the success of this year’s BBC Comedy Festival, we’re delighted to be working with Liverpool Film Office to find funny, original stories that reflect the city and region, with the potential to become the next iconic BBC sitcom.”
