BBC Innovation Labs 3 Kicks Off in the Northwest

FOR the third consecutive year the BBC’s Research & Innovation department in partnership with Northwest Vision and Media will run its Innovation Labs programme in the Northwest region.

This successful initiative brings together BBC Commissioners and independent companies to develop and commission pioneering new products and services for the corporation. It will kick off in November with two Open Days, one at Liverpool John Moores University on 12th November and the other at the Lowry in Salford on 21st November.

The Open Days are designed to encourage participation in the programme and BBC staff will be on-hand to outline the programme’s concept, BBC technology strategy and potential areas of commission in addition to holding Labs workshops to give attendees an idea of what to expect.

This year participants will have the chance to have their work commissioned by executives from BBC News, Vision, Audio/Music, ITV, Nations & Regions and Mobile.

Matthew Cashmore, Development Producer, BBC says, “Since BBC Innovation Labs started in 2006 we’ve seen some amazing projects commissioned which have resulted in some really strong content that has driven our organisation forward. This is a testimony not only to the collaborative and creative experience of the programme but also the abundance of ideas and talent held by the contributors across the Northwest. We know that by sharing our strategies with this sector we open the door for new innovations that will provide richer content and experiences for our audience.”

Chris Moll, Director of Production, Trade and Investment at Vision and Media is delighted to be bringing the programme to the region. “After last year’s success stories from around the Northwest, we cannot wait to see what comes out of the Innovation Labs this time around,” he says. “We hope to see people coming along to the launch events and taking part in this unique opportunity.”

Stardotstar took part in the Innovation Labs in 2006. Director Gareth Langley comments, “I would thoroughly recommend the Innovation Lab to any organisation - it is a great chance to develop your presentation skills and ideas, and of-course to meet other like minded folk from around the region.”

During the final stage of the programme participants will get the chance to pitch their prototype ideas to BBC commissioners, who will offer further development commissions for the best ideas at each Lab.

To register for Innovation Labs launch tour visit: http://open.bbc.co.uk/labs