Kickstart Day for the IBC Accelerator programme is fast approaching and will once again be taking place at the BBC Radio Theatre, Broadcasting House in London on 25 February 2026.
In addition, IBC has announced a deadline extension for submissions to the Accelerator ‘Call for Project Challenges’ 2026, now closing on 15 January 2026.
Attendance is free for broadcasters, platforms, studios, and key technology vendors. However, places are strictly limited.
On Kickstart Day, the industry collectively identifies the transformational priorities that will guide Accelerator projects over the next year, from new creative possibilities and workflow evolution, to AI, data, sustainability, network innovation, content production, distribution and more.
Across keynote insights, strategic discussions and live pitches of new Accelerator project ideas, the day sets the direction for the fast-track innovation work that will run throughout 2026.
You can submit a project challenge here.
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