BT launches sport-focused start-up competition

BT has launched a competition to find start-ups and entrepreneurs with “innovative digital media and production solutions” that can be used in sports broadcasting.

The BT Infinity Lab competition launches today, with BT Sport planning to trial the winning technology or service following six months of support from BT’s research and innovation teams.

BT said entries are encouraged to “focus on aiding a sports TV viewer’s experience through technologies including apps, augmented reality, as well as innovations in studio-side production.”

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to the BT Sport studios in London where they will present their proposals to a panel of BT experts and BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey.

“During my time as a TV presenter I’ve seen huge changes in the technologies and innovations being used by broadcasters and I can’t wait for the next invention,” said Humphrey.

The news comes a day after Virgin Media and technology accelerator Techstars launched a separate start-up programme in a bid to find “the most innovative and disruptive digital start-ups from around the world”.

The closing date for BT start-up entries is Sunday December 6.