Science New Wave Fund III
THIRD YEAR FUNDING CYCLE / Submissions open March 1, 2026
presented by The Brandt Jackson Foundation & Things in Motion.
You’ll find the details and application guidelines for the third cycle of the SNW Fund below.
It all starts with the Proposal Form.
Please follow the steps as outlined and submit only the requested materials. As the process unfolds, we’ll guide you through what’s needed at each stage if you’re selected to continue. We’re unable to respond to inquiries about later steps, funding amounts, or materials not specifically requested.
Please ensure you have an active Science New Wave Luminary Yearly (not Monthly) Membership before applying. Learn more about SNW Luminaries at : sciencenewwave.com/luminaries.
Please review the FAQs below as most of your questions will be answered. If you still have questions, contact us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
The Science New Wave Fund is an initiative that supports singular cinematic visions, offering unique perspectives on science’s place in cultural discourse. It celebrates bold storytelling and fosters daring interdisciplinary collaborations where film and science converge in singular, research-driven and compelling ways.
The Science New Wave Fund is a Science New Wave initiative that was launched in 2022 with an initial grant from Warner Bros. Discovery. Since then, it has evolved through several phases and formats. The SNW Fund is now presented by The Brandt Jackson Foundation , in partnership with its sister production company Things in Motion.
The SNW Fund is continuously evolving. For its third cycle, the SNW Fund will support film projects of all forms and scales—from shorts to features—including documentary, fiction, hybrid works, performance, research projects, and more. We’ve supported more than 20 projects over these last few years.
Discover on Labocine the projects and teams awarded the SNW Fund in Cycle I (2022) + Cycle II (2024).
Round 1: Proposal
Submit your initial proposal by completing the form. No other material is requested besides the form. Deadline: April 15
Round 2: Field Notes
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit additional materials by the end of April (Field Notes, Budget & more). They will receive details instructions on what is required at this stage and have two weeks to include material. Deadline: April 30
Round 3: Interviews
Interviews with shortlisted applicants will take place in May.
Round 4: Decision
Selected applicants will be announced in June.
To be eligible to apply for the Science New Wave Fund, applicants must hold an active Science New Wave Luminary Membership (Yearly subscription). We encourage you to join earlier than later. Learn more about the SNW Luminary Benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of films are eligible to apply?
The Science New Wave Fund supports singular film projects from around the world that expand how science enters cultural and cinematic discourse through adventurous, interdisciplinary collaboration. Projects may be of any length, format, origin, or genre, including fiction, documentary, animation, music videos, VR/AR, games and immersive experiences, performance, installation, sonic works, data visualization, and hybrid or cross-disciplinary forms.
Does my film need to be of a specific form, theme, or length?
There is no required form, theme, or length. We are interested in projects that embody the spirit of the Science New Wave—diversity, experimentation, bold storytelling, and a distinctive approach to translating scientific thought into cinematic form. To learn more, we encourage applicants to review the Science New Wave Manifesto and explore projects supported in previous cycles.
How much funding is available?
For this cycle, we do not set a fixed funding amount. Support ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on project scope and needs. Applicants are encouraged to have additional sources of support in place and not rely solely on the Science New Wave Fund unless clearly justified. Please note that awarded amounts may differ from requested amounts depending on available funds and overall allocation.
At what stage should my film be?
Projects at any stage are eligible, including research, development, production, post-production, and distribution. We do ask that there be a clear sense of timeline and objectives, even if these evolve over We also value being kept informed as projects move through their various stages of making.
My film concept is in an early stage and I don’t want it public. Is that okay?
Labocine encourages openness and process-sharing, but we understand that certain projects may require discretion. If you have specific concerns, please contact us. Field Notes (requested in Round 2) that include sensitive materials, such as teasers or press kits, can be kept fully private and password-protected via Labocine Field Notes feature.
What is required if support is granted?
If support is awarded, funded projects must include clear credit acknowledgements for the Fund’s presenting partners and the Science New Wave in the film credits and on all relevant film pages. We also ask that supported filmmakers keep us informed as the project is completed and released. Labocine and the Science New Wave can play an active role in distribution, outreach, and visibility. Supported projects are encouraged to submit to the annual Science New Wave Film Festival and to present their work on Labocine; however, selection to both the festival and Labocine is independent of the fund.
I applied for the Fund in the past and was not selected. Can I reapply?
Yes. Applicants who have not previously received support from the Science New Wave Fund may reapply with the same project. Please indicate that you have applied before and briefly describe how the project has evolved since your previous application. If a project has already received Science New Wave Fund support, it is not eligible for additional funding. However, applicants may apply again with a different project.
I applied for the Fund in the past and received support. Can I reapply?
Yes, applicants who have previously received support may reapply with a new film project, but not with the project that was already funded.
Can I apply if I have a monthly membership?
You may apply with a monthly membership instead of the yearly Luminary membership only if your monthly membership began before March 1, 2026. For all new applicants, the Yearly Luminary Membership is now required, as this is a new rule for Luminary status. If you are unsure of your status, please visit labocine.com/account. Next to your photo, you will see your SNW DNA ID with either MEMBER or LUMINARY listed.
Why is a Science New Wave Luminary Membership on Labocine required to apply?
The Science New Wave Fund exists within a self-sustaining ecosystem shaped by shared commitment, participation, and exchange. The annual Luminary Membership ($30/year) reflects engagement with the movement rather than simple eligibility for funding. Your support helps sustain the fund and strengthens our broader efforts—from curation and distribution to the many initiatives that grow around the Science New Wave community.
We especially value applicants who have demonstrated an ongoing relationship with the ecosystem: participating across Labocine’s curated programs, the Science New Wave Film Festival, and initiatives such as Symbiosis, maintaining an active Habitat profile, and remaining involved and in touch over time.
If your question is not addressed in these FAQs, please contact us at sciencenewwave@labocine.com.
