Why is the IBC Accelerator programme important to the media tech industry?
The IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme provides an open, collaborative framework that fosters cross-industry experimentation and R&D breakthroughs that can’t be achieved anywhere else. We bring together global broadcasters, studios, content creators, technology vendors, and research institutions to accelerate problem-solving and fuel creativity through hands-on, proof-of-concept (PoC) projects. These projects are all rooted in solving real-world challenges and presenting new solutions that can be deployed at a wider scale. The huge range of stakeholders involved, from multinational media corporations to disruptive tech startups, creates a dynamic innovation environment where every perspective is valued and new technologies are brought under the spotlight.
Over the years, the Accelerator programme has helped our industry navigate transformational shifts across cloud, artificial intelligence, sustainability and 5G-enabled connectivity — helping bring the best out of new technologies while pushing boundaries in media production and delivery. The ability to work with emerging concepts and technologies in such a collaborative and open environment makes the programme unique and valuable to all who participate — and the wider industry.
How has it evolved over time?
The programme has expanded significantly since its inception, evolving into one of the most prestigious collaborative R&D initiatives in the global media tech space. Some of the biggest players in our industry like the BBC, Sky, Comcast, Verizon, and the EBU return year after year to drive outstanding innovation projects. More than 300 organisations have taken part in the programme since we started, with more than 80 companies involved last year alone.
Deep involvement from world-leading media organisations means that each year, the projects reflect some of the most pressing needs of the global industry. As the M&E market tackles new technology shifts and business model transformation, the Accelerator projects align with those trends in real-time. Top-of-the-agenda issues like AI, sustainability, production efficiency, and next-generation connectivity have all dominated project line-ups in recent years. This year, the programme is pushing into new frontiers, including AI-powered live production assistance, private 5G for extreme production environments, and a second phase of EcoFlow — a sustainability initiative designed to optimise energy consumption in streaming workflows. A key strength of the programme is its iterative approach — past projects inform new challenges, and the learnings from each cycle directly contribute to ongoing industry advancements.
How ‘blue sky’ is the thinking behind the entries – can you give examples?
The Accelerator Programme thrives on bold, forward-thinking ideas that push the boundaries of what’s possible. While all projects are grounded in real business issues and common pain points, the programme encourages a ‘no-wrong-answers’ approach to innovation, where teams can experiment and trial new methodologies without the constraints of immediate commercialisation.
For example, this year’s AI Assistance Agents in Live Production project, led by ITN, BBC, Cuez, and Google, is exploring how AI-powered newsroom assistants can seamlessly integrate into live production environments. This type of innovation has the potential to transform editorial workflows, allowing journalists and producers to operate more efficiently in high-pressure, live broadcast settings. Similarly, the Private 5G from Land to Sea to Sky initiative, proposed by Olympic Broadcasting Services, the University of Strathclyde, and Haivision, aims to extend the capabilities of private 5G networks beyond terrestrial environments — exploring how they can support remote live production in locations as extreme as open seas, thick forests or mountainous terrain. This project is breaking new ground by investigating how dynamic, mobile connectivity can enhance sports coverage while also improving event logistics and safety.
How collaboratively do competing manufacturers and broadcasters really work together?
One of the unique aspects of the Accelerator Programme is its ability to bring together competitors in an open environment that fosters knowledge-sharing and mutual benefit. Many of the projects are created by broadcasters who share specific challenges that have been difficult to solve alone. At the same time, technology providers with overlapping and adjacent expertise often contribute toward new solutions that could only be achieved by working as part of a wider group. Ultimately, project Champions and Participants all see huge value in being part of leading-edge innovation groups — it allows for structured and specific collaboration with a real focus on outcomes for businesses and audiences.
A great example is the fantastic trajectory of our work across media disinformation and content provenance. Last year, some of the biggest — and most competitive — news organisations like AP, BBC, ITN, CBS and Al Jazeera came together to address fast-moving challenges in news broadcasting and media trust. Building on last year’s foundations, the new Stamping Your Content (C2PA Provenance) project includes the BBC, the AP, ITN, RTÈ and others working alongside Media Cluster Norway to develop an open-source solution for verifying content authenticity. By working together, they are collectively addressing industry-wide concerns around misinformation and content manipulation. Even the biggest organisations in the world know that they can’t tackle everything on their own — the Accelerator Programme is the perfect place for them to come together and drive unified industry progress.
What were the key criteria behind the selection of the PoCs for this year’s programme?
Every year, the Accelerator Programme receives an influx of project proposals, but only the most compelling ideas make it through the selection process. Projects must address critical challenges that are currently impacting the M&E sector, whether that be the need for more sustainable production workflows, the demand for greater automation in broadcasting, or the ongoing push towards ultra-low latency streaming. Feasibility is also a key factor, as projects must be capable of delivering tangible proof-of-concept demonstrations within the six-month timeframe of the programme. Collaboration is another crucial element in the selection process. Successful projects should bring together a diverse group of Champions and Participants, ensuring that the work being done is informed by a wide range of perspectives and expertise. Ultimately, innovation is the name of the game. We favour projects that show real ambition in championing new ways of working or taking audience experiences to different levels.
What are the key challenges this year’s entrants are trying to overcome?
It’s a really broad church this year with so many highlights to pick from. Alongside areas like content provenance, sustainability, private 5G for live production and AI assistance in the newsroom, we have an exciting project exploring the role of generative AI for media creation, ‘A Framework for Generative AI’, led by RAI, Globo and Yle. Elsewhere, our Incubator project ‘Changing the Game Again’ proposed by Verizon Business, AMD and Xansr Media builds on last year’s success to focus on real-time, AI-driven personalised sports experiences, delivering custom highlight reels and data with interactive features like virtual companions, dynamic camera angles, and localised content. We also have Comcast and BT Media & Broadcast leading an ambitious project entitled ‘Ultra Low Latency Live Streaming at Scale’, pushing to develop a truly scalable architecture to deliver TV to millions of consumers over the internet with the same latency and stability they’re used to with traditional broadcast.
How are IBC show attendees be able to find out more about the PoCs while they’re in Amsterdam?
IBC attendees will have multiple opportunities to engage with this year’s Accelerator Programme projects and explore the proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations in depth. The Accelerator Zone will serve as the primary hub where visitors can interact with project teams, view live demos, and gain firsthand insights into the solutions being developed. This space is designed to be an interactive, hands-on environment, allowing attendees to see emerging technologies in action and speak directly with the innovators behind them.
We’ll also host a series of presentations, panel discussions, and deep-dive sessions where project Champions and Participants will share their findings, discuss technical challenges, and explore the wider implications of their work. These sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from industry leaders and technical experts about the breakthroughs being made and how these innovations could be applied in real-world media workflows.
Have any entries ever made it into mainstream use?
Yes — many Accelerator projects have gone beyond the proof-of-concept stage and into real-world deployment. One of the most notable success stories is the use of private 5G networks for live broadcasting, which was initially trialled as an Accelerator project and has since been adopted in major live production environments.
A defining example of this came in 2022, when private 5G technology developed through an IBC Accelerator project was deployed to provide live international broadcast coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s final departure from Scotland. This historic event required a high-definition, broadcast-capable wireless solution that could operate within the challenging environment of an airport runway, where traditional RF-based solutions were not viable. By leveraging private 5G, the production team was able to ensure seamless, interference-free connectivity, marking a world-first in live television production.
Since then, the technology has been refined and expanded, helping support Summer Olympic sailing and Windsurfing coverage in Paris 2024 where high-speed, mobile connectivity allowed for new production techniques across competitive sailing events as (as well as on the vast opening ceremony along the River Seine), The same network was used in April/May 2023 to support coverage of King Charles III’s coronation, further proving its ability to deliver live broadcast solutions in complex, unpredictable environments. And the innovation isn’t stopping there. This year, the Private 5G from Land to Sea to Sky project is expanding its capabilities beyond maritime applications to high-altitude and remote sports broadcasting.
Details of each of the projects is available here: https://show.ibc.org/2025-accelerator-media-innovation-programme
