EIT Culture & Creativity seeks audiovisual and gaming experts ahead of IBC2026

The organisation is seeking experts with experience in venture capital, angel investment, startup growth, due diligence, entrepreneurship, and mentoring to evaluate funding applications and support innovation projects across architecture, audiovisual media, cultural heritage, fashion, and gaming. Successful applicants will undertake paid assignments while helping shape Europe's next generation of creative technology companies. 

"Through our business creation and innovation programmes, we're supporting an increasing number of high-potential startups across the cultural and creative sectors," said Anette Schaefer, CEO of EIT Culture & Creativity. "To maintain the quality of those programmes, we're looking for experienced experts who can help us identify the strongest opportunities and support founders as they grow." 

The call closes on 7 September 2026, just days before EIT Culture & Creativity makes its largest appearance to date at IBC, where it will participate as the show's European Innovation Partner. 

EIT Culture & Creativity, one of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology's Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), supports innovation, business creation and education across the cultural and creative sectors through European funding and ecosystem development programmes. Its growing focus on the audiovisual industry reflects the increasing importance of media technology, content innovation, and digital creativity to Europe's competitiveness. 

At IBC2026, the organisation will anchor the Future Tech Ignite Innovation Pavilion with a major presence in Hall 14, bringing together around 20 funded startups and strategic partners to showcase emerging technologies and new approaches to media innovation. Participating companies include Copyright Delta, Black Goblin, Podego, Djooky, V Real, Roods, Frame Rate, Sociate AI, Gestmusic Endemol, Kami, Dropstuff Media, Leren Labs, NarraSense, and Tackle Simulation Lab, alongside universities including the University of the Arts London and the University of Edinburgh. 

The organisation is also collaborating with the IBC Accelerator Programme, strengthening links between European research, startup innovation and industry-led technology development. 

EIT Culture & Creativity's conference programme begins during IBC's Talent Programme before expanding on Saturday afternoon with three sessions examining Europe's media competitiveness. Industry leaders from broadcasting, technology, investment and entrepreneurship will discuss how Europe can better convert research and innovation into globally competitive media businesses, while exploring AI, intellectual property, investment, and commercialisation. 

The Saturday programme will conclude with a networking reception in the IBC Accelerator Zone, providing an opportunity for startups, investors, broadcasters, and technology companies to meet. Activities continue Sunday morning with a startup pitch session featuring companies supported through EIT Culture & Creativity's business creation programmes. 

The call for expert evaluators is one element of EIT Culture & Creativity's wider effort to strengthen Europe's media innovation ecosystem, a theme that will run throughout its programme at IBC2026. 

More information about the expression of interest is available at: https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/your-opportunities/expression-interest