IBC has announced the launch of the IBC2026 Innovation Awards. Nominations are now open with organisations across the industry invited to submit details of projects that “exemplify breakthrough advances” across media and entertainment.
Forming part of IBC’s innovation ecosystem, which includes the IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme and the IBC Technical Papers Programme, the Awards recognise real-world initiatives that demonstrate ways in which media organisations and technology partners can collaborate to overcome creative, operational and commercial challenges.
This year, reflecting the increasing multi-dimensional nature of many entries, environmental and sustainability projects will be recognised within the Social Impact category, celebrating achievements driving meaningful change across the industry and wider society, said IBC.
Commenting on the announcement, Fergal Ringrose, chair of the IBC Innovation Awards Jury, said, “Across electronic media production globally we are seeing dramatic changes being driven by software-defined, virtualised, 5G-based and agentic AI advances among others. Intelligent new technologies are changing the way real-world innovation partnerships are delivering breakthrough workflows and consumer experiences in 2026. We look forward to highlighting the best of those pioneering projects that help advance the businesses involved and also the broader industry ecosystem.”
Sam Yoffe, senior systems engineer at Neutral Wireless and research fellow at the University of Strathclyde, commented “The IBC Innovation Awards provide sought-after industry recognition for the immense efforts put into developing cutting-edge media technology solutions and innovative productions, but also the dedication, collaboration, and teamwork required to bring them to fruition.”
The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 29th May with winners announced during the IBC2026 Awards reception at the RAI Amsterdam in September. Full details and submission guidelines can be found at here.
