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New project could lead to boost for Dundee’s creative tech ecosystem
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is launching a new collaboration to develop pioneering technologies and production practices for virtual film environments - representing a major leap forward for Scotland’s screen and immersive media industries.
As part of a feasibility project, the Lab is collaborating with Satore Technology — a sister company of Satore Studio — to explore the possibility of establishing a permanent base in Dundee. With existing operations in England, Portugal and the US, Satore’s expansion into the city could pave the way for a new spin-out company, further enhancing Dundee’s reputation as a centre for creative innovation.
The project will explore the integration of physical model sets and props with real-time and game engine technologies, developing new workflows and tools that expand the possibilities of virtual production and immersive storytelling.
It’s hoped the initiative will also generate internships and job opportunities within Dundee’s growing creative tech ecosystem, while supporting local model makers, universities and industry partners in developing next-generation production tools.
A key focus of the project is sustainability, with efforts to reduce material use, travel and energy demands - helping to deliver more environmentally responsible production methods.
Satore Technology was founded by Tupac Martir, an award-winning, multidisciplinary digital artist whose portfolio spans lighting design, performative reality, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies across music, theatre, fashion, opera, and exhibitions.
In 2024, Tupac received the Profile Award for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation for his lighting design on Find Your Eyes, a work by British choreo-photolist Benji Reid. He also contributed to the virtual production team for Amazon Prime’s Fallout series, which garnered numerous accolades in 2024, including two Emmy Awards.
Tupac said:
Satore have been pioneering new techniques within Virtual Production since 2017. We are thrilled to be working with the CoSTAR Realtime Lab and Abertay University on exploring new workflows and pipelines that can help evolve the virtual production landscape and help film-makers truly expand what is possible in VP. We are currently in the process of establishing a presence in Dundee and can’t wait to build a presence to leverage the talent we have already come across.
The CoSTAR Realtime Lab, led by Abertay and launched earlier this year, is part of a £75.6 million UK-wide R&D network focused on convergent screen technologies and performance in real time. The Lab brings together world-leading academic expertise and industry experience from Scotland’s globally significant gaming sector. It supports innovation in areas such as motion capture, virtual humans, AI-driven production processes, and advanced scanning technologies.
Professor Gregor White, Director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, said:
We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Satore Technology on this exciting new project. Their decision to base themselves in Dundee is a huge vote of confidence in the city’s creative industries and talent. This partnership brings together traditional craft and cutting-edge technology in a way that will redefine how immersive worlds are built - and we’re proud to be leading that innovation from right here in Scotland.
The partnership with Satore Technology has been supported by the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF), which is managed by Interface and the Scottish Government.
Abertay was one of six Scottish universities to receive funding in the latest round of the programme, which provides up to £10,000 for research and development projects that align with Scotland’s goals for a fair, sustainable and innovative economy.
