Md Abul Kalam Azad :: Following a successful debut in 2025, Future Tech will return to Hall 14 of the RAI Amsterdam at IBC2026 with an expanded programme showcasing the latest innovations, breakthrough technologies and emerging talent shaping the future of the media and entertainment industry.
A major addition to this year’s event is Future Tech Ignite, launched in partnership with EIT Culture & Creativity. The initiative aims to connect more than 50 start-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators with the global media and entertainment ecosystem through a newly introduced Start-up Zone and Ignite Stage.
The Ignite Stage will host a four-day programme focused on innovation, skills development and creative collaboration. Discussions will cover a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, the creator economy, sustainability, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, education, future workforce skills, mentorship, allyship, start-up innovation and investment.
On Friday, 11 September, the Ignite Stage will feature the IBC Talent Programme, bringing together professionals, educators, employers, industry organisations and emerging talent to address the evolving skills needs of the media sector.
One of the programme’s highlights will be a keynote address by renowned media cartographer Evan Shapiro, who will discuss the critical skills professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Other sessions will examine the current talent landscape and strengthen collaboration between the media industry and educational institutions, including Rise Academy, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA).
A special What’s Important Right Now (WIRN) session will also explore key industry challenges, including sustainability, content and data security, workforce diversity and other pressing issues facing media organisations.
The focus will shift to entrepreneurship on Saturday, with a dedicated programme for start-ups. Evan Shapiro will return alongside Marion Ranchet, Founder of Streaming Made Easy, to host a start-up clinic designed to support emerging businesses. Another WIRN session will address the growing importance of cybersecurity, while selected start-ups will deliver five-minute pitches highlighting innovative solutions for media companies.
On Sunday, the programme will explore the rapidly evolving creator economy, audiovisual broadcasting and changing trends in content creation and ownership. The day will also include additional start-up presentations and professional development sessions organised by industry advocacy groups such as #GALSNGEAR, Women in Streaming Media, Rise, and Women in the Industries of Tomorrow.
The final day of IBC2026 will be dedicated to students and the next generation of media professionals. Sessions led by IBC stakeholder organisations will be complemented by showcases from On-Air and short-form productions created by students from Inholland and HvA, who will capture content throughout the exhibition. The programme will conclude with “WIRN Leaders of Tomorrow,” where students will share their perspectives on the industry’s most significant challenges and opportunities.
With its expanded focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, education and emerging talent, Future Tech at IBC2026 is set to become a central platform for exploring the technologies and ideas that will define the next generation of media and entertainment.
