UD's Incubator Programme returns for the 2026/27 season with TRENCH as the official media partner. The Incubator Programme has been running for several years now, uplifting talent and developing independent artists making music of Black origin.

Backed this year by PPL, PRS, Arts Council England and Fontana, the programme promises a seven-month talent and career development opportunity.

Successful participants will get free studio time, a songwriting camp, an industry bootcamp spanning music law, publishing, distribution, and A&R, 1:1 mentoring and coaching from working professionals, showcasing opportunities, and free membership to UD's Talent House — on top of direct financial investment.

Over the years, the Incubator Programme has seen a lot of success stories, including 2025 graduees ANJA, Dia Day, Diya Sohi, Isabelle Mettle, Jacob Storey, Jedz, Rio Sterling, Shelbee Tee and Teodora. Participants from previous years include Saiming, Allyson, J2, Izzy Withers, Olympia Vitalis, Skee, TayoLoxs, Zuko Rosemeid, Charlotte Dowsson, Arinola, Emiko and Mar!k.

The programme is open to independent artists under 25, based in London, not in full-time employment, and already showing some form of momentum, whether that's press coverage, a support slot or headline show, or music out on streaming.

Applications are now open for the third round of the Incubator Programme and close on August 10 at 6pm. Head to the UD website for more info. Apply now here.