PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is now accepting applications for its first class scheduled to begin this July in Philadelphia. This is a core component of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs’ mission to cultivate founders and teams who are serious about developing the next generation of media, entertainment, and connectivity companies. Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply by visiting https://techstars.com/comcast.
Startups selected for the 13-week accelerator program will receive one-on-one mentoring from Techstars, a worldwide entrepreneur network that supports entrepreneurs through access to mentorship and capital, and will work directly with mentors and product experts from across Comcast NBCUniversal’s businesses, including the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, film studios, cable networks, and Xfinity products and services. Approximately 10 startups will be selected for the program.
“We look forward to bringing some of the world’s brightest entrepreneurs to Philadelphia and working side-by-side with our partners at Techstars, while leveraging Comcast NBCUniversal’s unique set of assets to help take their businesses to the next level,” said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast Cable.
"We are thrilled to pair up Techstars' proven mentor-driven accelerator program and worldwide network with Comcast's deep vertical breadth and expertise,” said Maya Baratz, Techstars’ Managing Director of the accelerator. “We believe this unique combination will extend the reach of our ongoing commitment to fueling the growth of the most talented teams around the country and the world who will join us."
The accelerator is interested in applications from startups that are creating and utilizing innovative technologies including, but not limited to, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, wireless, blockchain, accessibility tech, and direct-to-consumer products in the following five areas:
- Connected Life – Empowering users to connect with the people, places and things that matter most.
- Entertainment Everywhere – Connecting consumers with engaging content in any form, on any device, anywhere.
- Next Gen Marketing – Transforming marketing and advertising to meet shifting consumer behavior in a digital world.
- Smart “Cities” – Making physical spaces more intelligent through advanced sensors, devices, and networks.
- Digital Wellness – Enabling better health care through enhanced content, communication, and connectivity.
The deadline to submit an application for the accelerator is April 8, 2018. The selected startups will reside in Philadelphia for the duration of the program, which kicks off on July 16. The culmination of the accelerator program will be a Demo Day hosted at Comcast NBCUniversal’s global headquarters in Philadelphia on October 11, 2018.
LIFT Labs’ programs were informed and shaped by conversations with more than 1,500 entrepreneurs across the U.S. and abroad. The accelerator is just one of the many ways in which entrepreneurs can gain valuable access and insight from Comcast NBCUniversal. LIFT Labs offers programmed talks, mentor sessions, events and online educational resources designed to help entrepreneurs grow and manage their companies and bring their media, entertainment and connectivity offerings to market. Resources include access to UNION, an online platform that provides educational resources and connects entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from around the world. LIFT Labs is a multi-city program currently with a presence in Atlanta and Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.ComcastNBCULIFT.com.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, 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 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. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Techstars
Techstars is a worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. With dozens of mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of startup programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world’s most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and Do More Faster™. Techstars supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey – from early stage grassroots community development to more formal opportunities that provide education, experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond. www.techstars.com
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