Future Tech Ignite

Launch your innovation where the media industry discovers what's next.

Launching for the first time at IBC2026, Future Tech Ignite is a dedicated showcase for start-ups and emerging technology companies shaping the future of media, entertainment and creative technology.

Located within Future Tech in Hall 14, Future Tech Ignite has been created to help ambitious businesses showcase breakthrough technologies, connect with industry leaders and accelerate commercial growth.

Whether you're looking to launch a new product, meet enterprise customers, attract investors or build strategic partnerships, Future Tech Ignite provides the platform to put your business in front of the people driving the future of media and entertainment.

Apply to exhibit

Why Exhibit?

As Innovation Partner, EIT Culture & Creativity supports Future Tech Ignite's focus on start-ups working at the intersection of technology, creativity and commercial growth, helping innovative businesses gain visibility, build valuable industry connections and accelerate their growth.

As an exhibitor, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Showcase your technology to a global media audience
  • Meet broadcasters, streamers and media technology buyers
  • Connect with investors and strategic partners
  • Launch new products and services
  • Build brand awareness within the global media industry
  • Position your business at the heart of IBC's innovation ecosystem

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Positioned at the Heart of Future Tech

Future Tech Ignite is located within Hall 14 — IBC's destination for innovation.

Hall 14 is where the future of media and entertainment moves from concept to real-world application, bringing together global media organisations, technology leaders, innovators and start-ups developing the next generation of tools, workflows and experiences shaping the industry.

Alongside Future Tech Ignite you'll be located alongside:

  • IBC Accelerator Media Innovation Programme
  • Future Tech Stage
  • AWS Pavilion
  • Braindate Lounge
  • Future Tech Networking Hub
  • Leading technology showcases

Every visitor entering Hall 14 is there to discover new ideas, emerging technologies and future industry partners.

Exhibit at Future Tech Ignite

Your Future Tech Ignite Package

 

What does your package include?

Everything you need to launch at IBC2026:

  • 2.25 sqm branded exhibition pod
  • Company name and stand number
  • Lockable reception counter with your company branding
  • Bar table and two stools
  • Daytime power and lighting
  • Complimentary exhibitor Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary Lead Manager licence
  • Company listing in the IBC Exhibitor Directory
  • A dedicated 5-minute pitch on the Future Tech Ignite Stage
  • Access to networking opportunities across the Future Tech community

Who should apply?

We're looking for innovative start-ups developing products, platforms and technologies with clear relevance to the media, entertainment and creative technology industries. This opportunity is particularly relevant for companies working across:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud-native workflows
  • 5G and private networks
  • Immersive and interactive media
  • Content authenticity and provenance
  • Sustainable innovation

Is Future Tech Ignite right for you?

Applications are open to companies that are:

  • Founded within the last five years
  • Product-led
  • Demonstrating commercial traction
  • Ready to meet customers, investors and partners
  • Looking to scale internationally

Ready to join Future Tech Ignite?

Applications for IBC2026 are now open.

Places are limited, and applications will be reviewed to ensure a diverse showcase of innovative businesses with strong commercial potential.

Apply to exhibit

2026 Future Tech Ignite Agenda

Ignite Stage
  1. Talent Programme Keynote – Mapping the Whole Consumer: From The Living Room to The WC
    Ignite Stage
    With a trove of exclusive new data from around the world, Evan Shapīro, Media’s Cartographer, reveal ...
    Speakers
    Evan Shapiro
    Evan Shapiro, Media Cartographer - ESHAP
  2. State of the Talent Landscape: What the Data is Telling Us
    Ignite Stage
    Recent research from IAMT seeks to better understand the current landscape for media and entertainme ...
    Moderator
    Carrie Wootten
    Carrie Wootten, CEO - Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto
    Panellist
    Lisa Opie
    Lisa Opie, Chair - ScreenSkills
    Polly Hickling
    Polly Hickling, VP Education - SMPTE
    Stuart Ray
    Stuart Ray, Head of Skills and Development - IAMT
  3. Further Education for the Industry? Closing the Gap Between Media and Academia
    Ignite Stage
    Strengthening the relationship between the industry and the education sector is seen as ‘mission cri ...
    Moderator
    Polly Hickling
    Polly Hickling, VP Education - SMPTE
    Panellist
    Andy Beale
    Andy Beale, Co-Founder, Rise Academy, and Director of Technology - Premier League Studios
    Shant Bayramian
    Shant Bayramian, Lecturer, Researcher, & Director of Emerging Tech - lnholland University of Applied Sciences
  4. Building Europe's Next Generation of Media Innovators
    Ignite Stage
    How can Europe help emerging talent turn bold ideas into media experiences people actually want to w ...
    Speakers
    Susannah Montgomery
    Susannah Montgomery, Business Development Manager - EIT Culture & Creativity
  5. What’s Important Right Now (WIRN): The real Industry Priorities
    Ignite Stage
    Some of the most important issues facing the industry extend beyond technology and business strategy ...
    Moderator
    Oisin Lunny
    Oisin Lunny, Award-winning conference host and MC - Galaxy of OM, S.L.
    Panellist
    Barbara Lange
    Barbara Lange, Co-Founder - MTSS
    Elena Petrova
    Elena Petrova, Head of Group Content and Broadcasting, International Business - A1 Group
    Rich Welsh
    Rich Welsh, President - SMPTE
    Sam Fray
    Sam Fray, Founder & Director - Building People in Sports Broadcasting
    Terri Davies
    Terri Davies, President - Trusted Partner Network
  6. AI Won't Make You Creative: Real-world Insight from Media and Production Creators Utilising AI in Creative Applications
    Ignite Stage
    Everyone’s using AI now. To write, to edit, to speed things up, to “generate ideas”. But let’s be ho ...
    Speakers
    Jaisica Lapsiwala
    Jaisica Lapsiwala, Co-Founder - Soho Media Club
    Tom Witkowski
    Tom Witkowski, Co-Founder - Soho Media Club
  7. Future Tech Ignite Start-up Pitch Sessions
    Ignite Stage
    Meet the technology and business innovators shaping the future of our industry. This session will fe ...
Ignite Stage
  1. Ignite Stage Welcome Day 2
    Ignite Stage
     
  2. Start-up Clinic with Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet
    Ignite Stage
    Media Cartographer Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet, founder of Streaming Made Easy, return to the Ig ...
    Speakers
    Evan Shapiro
    Evan Shapiro, Media Cartographer - ESHAP
    Marion Ranchet
    Marion Ranchet, Founder - Streaming Made Easy
  3. WIRN: If a security incident happened tomorrow, would your organization be ready?
    Ignite Stage
    Recent incidents and TPN STAR Report findings suggest many companies wouldn't be. Join TPN, ACE, NBC ...
    Moderator
    Terri Davies
    Terri Davies, President - Trusted Partner Network
    Panellist
    Bekhan Batalov
    Bekhan Batalov, Director Content Protection EMEA - Motion Picture Association
    Matt Andrews
    Matt Andrews, Director and Head of Global Content Security - Netflix
    Tony Anderson
    Tony Anderson, Vice President of Studio Content Security
  4. Ignite Stage Start-up Session: AWS
    Ignite Stage
     
  5. Future Tech Ignite Start-up Pitch Sessions
    Ignite Stage
    "Meet the technology and business innovators shaping the future of our industry. This session will f ...
  6. Can Europe Build the World's Next Media Innovation Ecosystem?
    Ignite Stage
    Europe produces world-class creativity, research and media innovation, yet too few European companie ...
    Speakers
    Anette Schaefer
    Anette Schaefer, CEO - EIT Culture & Creativity
  7. Europe's Media Competitiveness: Turning Creativity into Global Growth
    Ignite Stage
    Europe has the talent. Why isn't it winning? Drawing on new independent research from Ampere Analysi ...
    Speakers
    Anette Schaefer
    Anette Schaefer, CEO - EIT Culture & Creativity
  8. Scaling Europe's Next Media Champions
    Ignite Stage
    Securing funding is only the beginning. Turning an innovative idea into a successful media business ...
    Moderator
    Javier Arias
    Javier Arias, Director of Business Creation - EIT Culture & Creativity
Ignite Stage
  1. Ignite Stage Day 3 Welcome
    Ignite Stage
     
  2. Startup Showcase: Meet Europe's Emerging Media Startups
    Ignite Stage
    Europe's next generation of media innovators takes the stage. In this fast-paced showcase, EIT Cultu ...
  3. The Economies of Media Scale
    Ignite Stage
    This session, led by Caretta Research, will explore the new media landscape driven by the creator an ...
    Speakers
    Ed Barton
    Ed Barton, Research Director - Caretta Research
  4. The Human Advantage Is Dead. Replace Me?
    Ignite Stage
    "Last year, Women in Industries of Tomorrow challenged audiences to ""Persevere and Get Sh*t Done"", ...
  5. Future Shock: Are You Ready?
    Ignite Stage
    Rapidly changing technology – such as the explosion of Gen AI, hybrid workflows, and immersive enter ...
    Moderator
    Amy DeLouise
    Amy DeLouise, Founder - #GALSNGEAR
    Panellist
    Elena Dimopoulou
    Elena Dimopoulou, Education Mentor - Epic Games
    Glodina Lostanlen
    Glodina Lostanlen, Chief Revenue Officer - Imagine Communications
    Yassue Inoki
    Yassue Inoki, President - ABOTTS (Associação Brasileira de OTT e Streaming)
  6. From Talent Discovery to Development: How Allyship Builds the Future Workforce
    Ignite Stage
    Allyship in media and entertainment can unlock potential by improving access, visibility, and develo ...
    Speakers
    Deepali Narsiker
    Deepali Narsiker, Head of Allyship - Women in Streaming Media
  7. Connect with Confidence: The communication secrets that transform networking into meaningful connections
    Ignite Stage
    "Meaningful professional connections can open doors to new opportunities, ideas and collaborations. ...
    Speakers
    Deborah Cross
    Deborah Cross, Operations Director - Rise Women in Broadcast
    Sylvia Cohen
    Sylvia Cohen, Owner - Sylvia Cohen Communication
  8. Future Tech Ignite Start-up Pitch Sessions
    Ignite Stage
    Meet the technology and business innovators shaping the future of our industry. This session will fe ...
Ignite Stage
  1. Ignite Stage Day 4 Welcome
    Ignite Stage
     
  2. Future Tech Ignite Start-up Pitch Sessions
    Ignite Stage
    Meet the technology and business innovators shaping the future of our industry. This session will fe ...
  3. IBC Owner Session for Students and Emerging Talent
    Ignite Stage
     
  4. Future Talent Showcase
    Ignite Stage
    "This two-part session will showcase the skills of the next generation. Part 1 will be led by repres ...
  5. WIRN: The Leaders of Tomorrow
    Ignite Stage
    To close the Ignite Stage programme, we hand the forum of discussion over to the young people who wi ...
    Moderator
    Joe Hunter
    Joe Hunter, Group IT Director - Once Upon a Time
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