Applications Open for Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator: Generative AI

March 14, 2023

The accelerator’s primary goal is to connect startups with Comcast NBCUniversal and develop partnerships. Much of the coursework is focused on how startups can engage with corporate enterprises, with LIFT Labs connecting participating founders with a network of mentors, and businesses to expose them to future opportunities, which may include developing proofs of concept and pilots and exploring potential longer-term partnerships.

Ryff Makes Product Placements Digital Through AI and Virtual Imagery

February 28, 2023

Ryff adds virtual product placements inside films and TV shows that appear natural. Rather than physical products placed on set before filming, the products are added digitally afterward — and look like they’d been there all along. Ryff uses artificial intelligence to analyze the speech and context in a piece of content to ensure that the placements feel authentic to each scene.

Startup Advice: Top Tips From 2022

December 19, 2022

At LIFT Labs, we convened experts in pitching, marketing, time management, and entrepreneurship to share insights with startup founders and business leaders in 2022. During their talks and workshops, they shared tips for developing relationships, cultivating skills, and building businesses.

Here are the top takeaways shared in 2022.

FADE is Paving the Way for Shoppable TV

December 2, 2022

Imagine you’re watching your favorite streaming TV series. The main character enters the frame wearing a unique T-shirt and fashionable skirt. You just have to shop the look. Rather than searching endlessly online, you simply use your remote control to click the “buy” button on the screen.

While that scenario might sound futuristic, Fade Technology Solutions has already developed the technology. The San Francisco-based startup offers shoppable video monetization that lets viewers discover and buy contextually in video. There are benefits for all stakeholders. Consumers get a shorter path from discovery to purchase. Retailers get exposure on the largest screen in the home. Streaming services get a new way to monetize content as free ad-supported revenue models become more mainstream.

Live Streamers Connect With Fans in Virtual, 3D Spaces With mtion interactive

December 2, 2022

While live streaming has gained popularity and turned gamers into celebrities, viewers still see a 2D screen depicting the video game and the streamer’s face in the corner. Jeremy Hartmann (above), an avid gamer, says streams sometimes are impersonal, static, and flat — and there’s opportunities for more immersive interaction people crave. That’s why he launched mtion interactive, a startup offering broadcasting tools and virtual spaces where streamers can interact with fans.

Eino Brings Data and Reliability to Wireless Networks

December 2, 2022

After researching the problem at Columbia University, Payman Samadi launched eino, an artificial intelligence (AI) powered network resource planning and optimization tool. The technology analyzes data about how people have historically used wireless networks and uses proprietary algorithms to forecast the network’s future load, predict network quality, and optimize the buildout of 4G upgrades and 5G rollouts. This helps network operators accurately predict, plan, and manage capacity. And, Samadi says, it increases return on capital investments like equipment, maintenance, and overhead by 35%.

Meet Visura, Connecting Photographers and Videographers With Buyers

December 1, 2022

While the rise of social media and content marketing increased the demand for visual assets, freelance photographers and videographers still have trouble connecting with potential buyers. Adriana Teresa Letorney is on a mission to change that.

How to be an Effective Networker

November 30, 2022

At a recent Female Founders and Funders event, speaker and business coach Malla Haridat explained the importance of analyzing your current network, following up with new contacts, and the power of virtual events. Developing new relationships is critical to any professional — from startup founders to leaders at large companies. One strategic networking session can …

LLUNA Fosters Belonging and Motivation for Hybrid or Remote Teams

November 9, 2022

Remote work in the wake of the pandemic accelerated the need for LLUNA. With distributed workforces, people run into each other in the halls or casually get lunch together less frequently. LLUNA can help foster those much-needed connections.

Demo Day 2022 Video Replay

November 4, 2022

For the first time ever, all 11 startups who participated in this year’s Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars, announced at Demo Day that they have secured 24 pilots and proofs of concepts with Comcast, NBCUniversal, or Sky, with more in the works. These partnerships are a result of the engagement opportunities startups …

Charles Haggerty

Applications Open for Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator: Generative AI