LIFToff Beyond Viewing: Interactivity and the Evolution
of the TV's Role in the Home
Status: Applications open now through April 23, 2021
of the TV's Role in the Home
ABOUT THIS CHALLENGE
How will people interact with and use their TVs in the future? Comcast NBCUniversal seeks emerging technologies and enterprise-ready startups to enhance their existing products and services by driving differentiated experiences in the home via TV. Potential areas include: using the TV as a continuous information hub, shared/augmented/extended realities, group watching/shopping/communication, voice and facial recognition and biometrics, enabling new consumer experiences in gaming or education and creating new revenue opportunities.
An enterprise-ready startup with a product or service
in market or very close to it.
Your partner in anchoring or expanding your
enterprise client roster.
| WEEK 1: | Applications Open on March 31 |
| WEEKS 2-5: | Sourcing & Office Hours (April 5 – 30) |
| WEEK 6: | Evaluation & Diligence (May 3 – 7) |
| WEEKS 7-10: | Startup Shortlist Selection, Notification & Prep for Final Pitch (May 10 – 28) |
| WEEK 11: | Final [Virtual] Pitch to Comcast NBCUniversal Business Leaders (June 7 – 11) |
| Finalist(s): | Kick-off POC in Second Week of June |
ARE YOU IN?
ARE YOU IN?Apply here to be considered for an accelerated proof of concept and a chance for a paid pilot and/or commercial agreement with Comcast NBCUniversal. For questions about the program or application process, please contact us at LIFT@comcast.com
WHY THIS CHALLENGE IS IMPORTANT
As screen time becomes more integral in our everyday lives, the devices that power them will continuously expand their product offerings and services. Through enabling functional technologies such as voice, smart speakers, XR, and wearables, television will go beyond viewing and into areas such as commerce, education, wellness and beyond.
U.S. adults spend an average of almost 6 hours a day on video content2 and with more people working from home, media viewing habits are on an interweaving continuum of work and play3. Along with video appetite, is an emerging inclination towards more dynamic and immersive content. While mass adoption is still years away, the growth of the VR category (particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic) is a strong indicator. An estimated $4B will be spent on VR content by 20254.
The global entertainment and media ecosystem continues to be reshaped by a myriad of factors including advancements in technology, consumer behavior trends, and unexpected events such as Covid-19. Since the pandemic, nearly 1/2 of U.S. consumers have participated in some form of video gaming activity5, shifting from a more passive viewing experience to a more interactive one. The Metaverse (an online/offline world filled with avatars, a virtual economy, and shared spaces) has been particularly brisk. One leading gaming company reported over 30M active daily visitors, spending an average of 2.6 hours in the Metaverse every day6.
About Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs
Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, part Startup Engagement at Comcast NBCUniversal, gives talented entrepreneurs access to Comcast NBCUniversal’s renowned network of partners, brands and mentors to foster rapid breakthroughs in connectivity, media and entertainment. Startup Engagement at Comcast NBCUniversal has entrepreneurial programs across the country, including three accelerators in Philadelphia and Atlanta, and offers educational resources and programming for companies at all stages of the startup journey. Our teams canvas the world for revolutionary startup founders and early-stage companies in connectivity, media, entertainment, and sports that can help enhance the products and services we provide. Visit ComcastNBCULIFT.com to learn more.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.