Backnang, Germany, 26.10.23. d&b group, the market leader in professional audio technology and provider of AVLM solutions, has signed a partnership with EntertainmentLAB, a recently-launched Belgian innovation program for startups in the entertainment industry. By sponsoring the initiative, d&b will provide guidance and foster innovative ways to increase audience interactions in mass-event experiences.
EntertainmentLAB is an initiative of Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI) and Startup.Flanders with the support of Tomorrowland. Together with corporate partners d&b, Brussels Airport and Telenet, they address three challenges within the entertainment industry: Circularity and Recycling, Immersive Experiences, and Crowd Monitoring.
d&b will sponsor the Immersive Experiences challenge, taking startups through an exploration journey to find solutions to empower crowds and give them a more active role in large-scale event experiences.
Andy Hook, Technical Solutions Director at d&b solutions, says: “We see audiences capturing experiences on their mobile devices all of the time now, but what if we could make them more of an active part of the performance through those devices, or personalize the experience for them? With the rise of AR, next-level mobile apps, smart glasses, and other advanced wearables, a world of new creative possibilities opens up, and we want to work with the next-generation of creators to make this a reality.”
Startups from around the world can apply for the three EntertainmentLAB challenges until 17 November. Then, from January 2024 onwards, startups selected for the Immersive Experience challenge will work alongside an expert team from d&b, in the creation of a proof-of-concept of their innovation.
“Key specifications we look for in potential participants are skill sets such as real-time gaming engines, cloud computing or rendering, crowd-sentiment analysis, AI-based content generation or integration of personal mobile devices with festival stage audio, video, light, and media technology. What’s most important for us though is to find a tech-savvy and passionate team of agile-thinking explorers who are keen to push their limits to develop the best possible solution out there,” says Florian Platt, Senior Manager Corporate Development at d&b.
“We can nowadays integrate cutting-edge technology and creative design to craft stunning content that audiences can experience live in concert venues, theatres or even in their personal devices in real-time. We are happy to partner with d&b to help us understand and shape the future of immersive experiences,” stated Joy Donné, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT).
EntertainmentLAB aims to create a permanent hub for entertainment technology in Flanders’ Rupel, an area located in the southern region of Antwerp that invests more than 3.65% of its GDP in research and development. Since its launch, EntertainmentLAB has actively pursued this vision of becoming a pioneer in entertainment technology.
For further information about EntertainmentLAB, its challenges, and the selection process, please visit www.entertainmentlab.be.
