Comcast NBCUniversal works with some of the best startups in the world through the LIFT Labs Accelerator.

Our four-week, equity-free program accelerates your relationship with our business. Selected startups get unparalleled access to our network of businesses and corporate partners to test their solutions and develop long-term partnerships. This is not a traditional startup accelerator. The theme-specific program is designed specifically for startups ready to partner with major enterprises, such as Comcast, NBCUniversal, Sky, and more.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

VERTICAL AI

April 29 – May 23

As enterprises continue to invest in the infrastructure, data, and models required to leverage AI securely at scale, tools focused on specific verticals or functions can improve the experiences and processes for employees and, in turn, their customers. 

Whether through accelerating sales prospecting, personalizing marketing materials, identifying trends within specialized datasets, or helping film and television production teams operate even more effectively, we’re looking for startups that can quickly demonstrate the power and value of what they’re building to an enterprise. 

We’re looking for startups with exciting applications in Cybersecurity, Software Development, Facilities, Film and Television Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, Procurement, and more.

Questions? Watch the Vertical AI Info Session replay.

The program more than met my expectations. The focus on building connections within Comcast added huge value, alongside the valuable media training, investment insights, and understanding of how Comcast NBCUniversal works.

Accelerator Participant

2023

Jim Cramer meets with the Accelerator Class.

STARTUPS RECEIVE

Participants receive dedicated support from the LIFT Labs team, helping you navigate our business and championing your startup to decision-makers during the program and beyond. Benefits of participating in the program include:

  • Direct access to executives throughout Comcast NBCUniversal and its subsidiaries with a specific focus on developing long-term relationships and potential partnerships.
  • Rapid testing of your solution with relevant teams across the organization.
  • Connection to a world-class network of Enterprise executives and investors outside of Comcast NBCUniversal.
  • Unparalleled learnings on how to collaborate with large-scale organizations.
  • Concierge-level post-program support from the LIFT Labs team.
  • Media Training and Marketing Support.
» READ FULL LIST OF FAQS
Startups overlay

PROGRAM OUTLINE

During these initial four weeks, the goal is to connect you with the most relevant teams within Comcast NBCUniversal to rapidly demonstrate the value your solution can bring to them. You will be supported by the LIFT Labs team every step of the way, including post-program.

 

WEEK 1

Virtual

  • Introductory meetings with teams interested in learning more about your solution and open to the idea of a proof of concept.
WEEK 2

In Person at Comcast HQ, Philadelphia

  • Proof of concept scoping sessions with relevant teams facilitated by the LIFT Labs team
  • Curated introductions to innovation leaders at other enterprises.
  • Welcome Reception with Comcast NBCUniversal executives with opportunity to demo solutions and share your insights.
WEEK 3

Virtual

  • Work on initial proof of concept.
  • Curated introductions to investors, where desired.
WEEK 4

In Person at Comcast HQ, Philadelphia

  • Proof of concept insights sharing session with relevant teams to demonstrate initial progress and scope out next steps.

Program Schedule

FEBRUARY 12
Applications open
MARCH 10
Applications close
APRIL 15
Selected companies notified
APRIL 29
Program begins
MAY 23
Program ends

ACCELERATOR ALUMNI VOICES

  • “LIFT Labs has been critical in helping us to scale our platform to be enterprise-ready.”

    Chun Jiang
    Co-founder & CEO
    Monterey AI

  • “What makes the program particularly awesome is the exposure to every facet of the Comcast NBCUniversal family.”

    Ben Colman
    Co-founder & CEO
    Reality Defender

  • “This is the most immersive enterprise accelerator program we could have ever hoped for. They helped us navigate the complexities of the organization. Best of all? This is just the beginning of being part of the Comcast family.”

    Andrei Papancea
    CEO & CPO
    NLX

  • “The exposure that we have to executives and leaders within Comcast, NBCUniversal has been unparalleled.”

    Cody Coleman
    Co-founder & CEO
    Coactive

“LIFT Labs has been critical in helping us to scale our platform to be enterprise-ready.”

Chun Jiang
Co-founder & CEO
Monterey AI

“What makes the program particularly awesome is the exposure to every facet of the Comcast NBCUniversal family.”

Ben Colman
Co-founder & CEO
Reality Defender

“This is the most immersive enterprise accelerator program we could have ever hoped for. They helped us navigate the complexities of the organization. Best of all? This is just the beginning of being part of the Comcast family.”

Andrei Papancea
CEO & CPO
NLX

“The exposure that we have to executives and leaders within Comcast, NBCUniversal has been unparalleled.”

Cody Coleman
Co-founder & CEO
Coactive

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FAQ

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This accelerator program differs from a traditional accelerator in many ways:

  • This program is not just for pre-seed companies aiming to raise a seed round. We have a track record of working with startups at different stages to deliver long-term commercial partnerships between our business and theirs.
  • Issuance of equity is not required for participation.
  • The accelerator program includes a shorter time commitment. Most accelerators are 10-12 weeks; this program is six weeks.
  • Each cohort will only include 6-8 companies allowing for a much more tailored, 1:1 approach, so no one-size-fits-all programming.
  • The focus on the program is developing partnerships with enterprises rather than broader programming related to building a company.

No. Comcast NBCUniversal will not take any equity in the company as a condition for participating in this accelerator program. However, we have the ability to make investments in companies coming through the program on a case-by-case basis where mutually desirable.

We would prefer that founding team members participate. We understand that commitments come up, so if other senior employees outside the founding team need to fill in for a session or two, that is acceptable.

In addition to the two in-person weeks, participants can expect three to five hours/week of scheduled virtual content during remote weeks, in addition to discussions with Comcast NBCUniversal teams to scope out potential partnerships.

Each accelerator program will include six to eight companies.

While the goal is to achieve a pilot or proof of concept (depending on the stage and readiness of the startup), there is no guaranteed engagement at the end of the accelerator program. That said, more than 84% of participating companies to date have secured a pilot or commercial deal with Comcast, NBCUniversal, or Sky, including 100% of the companies in the 2023 Generative AI Accelerator.

Post-program, we continue to support the companies in our portfolio in executing their partnerships and by identifying new opportunities for them with our business.

Post-program, we continue to support the companies in our portfolio in executing their partnerships and by identifying new opportunities for them with our business. Our team:

  • Assists in the scoping and execution of pilots with the goal of converting them to longer-term commercial deals.
  • Facilitates opportunities to expose startups to relevant teams throughout Comcast NBCUniversal and our broader global network.
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