The way we watch and enjoy sport has changed hugely over the past few years, as fans around the world have been able to benefit from a major growth in the amount of content that can be viewed on TV, PC and mobile devices.
But where does the future of sports broadcasting lie? BT Sport has been at the forefront of next-generation sports content for the past few years, offering its customers a wide variety of ways to follow and watch all the action from some of the world's most popular events and competitions on your TV or smartphone. The company was the first broadcaster to show live content in 4K and UHD in 2015, the first to adopt Dolby Atmos in 2016, and in 2019 broadcast the world’s first live 8K test.
Now, BT Sport is looking to find the next big thing when it comes to sports broadcasting - and you could be part of it.
BT Sport's Innovate 21 competition is searching to find the most exciting ideas for sports broadcasting experiences, whether that’s from production at events through to the viewer at home. The competition is open to entrepreneurs, creatives and start-ups, with the winner getting the opportunity to be at the heart of BT Sport’s industry leading innovation.
Innovate 21 will be judged by a panel of experts including sports legends and BT Sport presenters Brian O’Driscoll, Suzi Perry and Robbie Savage in September at a special event to select the winning innovation, led by Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport.
BT Sport is particularly interested in hearing pitches for areas such as the Matchday Experience offering on the BT Sport App, ideas which have a strong sustainability, inclusivity or accessibility focus, and ideas which enhance the live sports experience.
Past winners have gone on to play a vital part in BT Sport's innovation. After winning the 2018 Infinity Lab competition, Sceenic has worked with BT Sport to support last year’s launch of Watch Together on the BT Sport App. And Seenit, the winners of the 2016 edition, created a system that enabled fans to send in short video reports and comments from stadia around the country as part of BT Sport’s Premier League Tonight show.
So if you've got a burning idea for the next great idea to change how we watch sport - now's your chance. Entries for Innovate 21 open on May 5, and close on July 31 - so don't delay, get your submission in now.
