IBC 2026

The IBC Conference brings together global leaders, disruptors, and innovators from across media, entertainment and technology to explore the forces reshaping the industry.

From platform evolution and creative innovation to AI disruption and immersive storytelling, the conference offers a powerful mix of insight, provocation, and practical strategy. This three-day programme is where the future of media is decoded, discussed, and designed.

Represent Amsterdam’s media tech and creative technology ecosystem at IBC2026 Future Tech Ignite.

The City of Amsterdam is looking for 10-12 Amsterdam-based startups to exhibit at the Amsterdam Pavilion within Future Tech Ignite at IBC2026, taking place from 11–14 September 2026 at the RAI Amsterdam.

Launching for the first time at IBC2026, Future Tech Ignite is a new startup area in Hall 14, created to spotlight emerging technology companies shaping the future of media, entertainment and technology.

Future Tech Ignite brings startups into the centre of IBC’s global innovation community, connecting ambitious companies with media and entertainment buyers, broadcasters, streamers, production companies, content creators, investors, partners and technology leaders.

Future Tech Ignite has EIT Culture & Creativity as Innovation Partner, supporting the area’s focus on start-ups working at the intersection of technology, creativity and commercial growth.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from startups based in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area that are building technology, products or platforms with clear relevance for the media, entertainment and creative technology industries.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for companies working across:

▫️Artificial Intelligence — including generative content tools, production automation, localisation, metadata, personalisation, workflow intelligence and decision support

▫️Cloud-native workflows — including remote production, collaboration, orchestration, storage, processing and scalable content operations

▫️5G and private networks — including low-latency production, live contribution, edge workflows and real-time content delivery

▫️Immersive and interactive media — including XR, virtual production, spatial audio, audience engagement and next-generation storytelling tools

▫️Content authenticity and provenance — including watermarking, verification, rights management, trust, safety and content integrity

▫️Sustainable innovation — including tools that reduce carbon impact, improve efficiency, support greener production or enable more sustainable content supply chains

Startups do not need to fit neatly into one theme. The key requirement is that your product has a credible use case for the media, entertainment or creative technology market.

Selection criteria

Applications are open to companies that are:

✅ Based in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area

✅ Founded within the last five years

✅ Early-stage, typically pre-seed, seed or Series A

✅ Product-led, with a technology, platform or tool relevant to Future Tech Ignite

✅ Able to show meaningful commercial traction, such as pilots, paying customers, early revenue, repeatable customer segments, international activity or funding to scale

✅ Ready to meet potential customers, investors, partners and industry collaborators at IBC2026

We are especially interested in companies with practical applications for broadcasters, streamers, content creators, production companies, sports organisations, publishers, creative studios, media technology vendors or entertainment platforms.

Startup package

Selected startups will receive:

✅ City of Amsterdam branded Start Up Stand within Future Tech Ignite

✅ 5 minute pitch on the Future Tech Ignite stage

✅ Basic stand set-up including furniture and logo visibility

✅ Exhibition passes for 3 team members (access to the exhibition and show floor content)

✅ Company logo and profile on the IBC2026 website

✅ Inclusion in relevant StartupAmsterdam and IBC communications

✅ Access to Future Tech Ignite networking opportunities during IBC2026

✅ The opportunity to connect with global media and entertainment buyers, investors, partners and technology leaders

Costs

Normally, a Startup Package within Future Tech Ignite costs £1,995. The Amsterdam Pavilion startups receive this opportunity for free.

Timeline

Applications are open until July 24, 23:59 CET.

Selected companies will be contacted by July 31, 23:59 CET.

>> Learn more and apply