Ibc Opens Submissions For 2027 Accelerator Programme

IBC has opened submissions for its 2027 Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, with nine projects to be selected under a revised process.

The deadline for proposals is December 11, 2026. Projects will be chosen ahead of Kickstart Day on March 18, 2027, at the BBC Radio Theatre in London, where their leaders will present the challenges and invite additional organisations to participate.

Teams will then develop proof-of-concept demonstrations for IBC2027, taking place in Amsterdam on September 10–13.

Now entering its ninth year, the programme brings together broadcasters, studios, streaming platforms, content owners and rightsholders with technology suppliers, start-ups and academic partners.

Proposals must identify a clear business or technology need that can be addressed through practical experimentation and have the backing of confirmed industry “Champions” — the media organisations buying and using the technology.

“We’re looking for fresh ideas that push the boundaries of innovation and have the potential to deliver real industry impact,” said Mark Smith, Lead, IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme. “This year, we’re evolving our approach at the outset of the process to help project teams hit the ground running.”

The 2026 projects covered agentic AI, production workflows, streaming and connectivity, immersive live experiences, accessibility and infrastructure interoperability. Participating media organisations included the BBC, Channel 4, DAZN, France Télévisions, ITV, NBCUniversal, RTL and Sky.

Tim Guilder, Head of Production Technology at ITV Studios, said the programme offered an opportunity outside everyday operations to develop new approaches with industry peers and suppliers.

“It’s an opportunity outside of ‘business as usual’ to accelerate conversations among industry peers and vendors that drive radical new use cases and architectures and put them to the test in the field in a really creative, collaborative environment,” he said.

Submission guidelines and the entry form are available on the IBC Accelerator programme website.