By KJ Singh, Managing Director of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars, and Luke Butler Executive Director, Startup Engagement, Comcast NBCUniversal

Applications for the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars are now open! This is the fifth program we’ve run with our amazing partners at Comcast’s LIFT Labs. Since the inaugural program in 2018, we’ve invested in 43 companies from around the world. These companies have already raised nearly $100M combined, and they are just getting started.

Their success can be attributed, in part, to the unique experience founders who participate in the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars receive. The access they get to a vast network of mentors from Comcast, NBCUniversal, Sky, and Techstars is unmatched. These experts from across the business are genuinely invested in the success of companies in the program and our alumni. Many remain trusted advisors long after the program ends. In fact, more than 70% of the companies in this program develop proofs of concept, pilots, or commercial deals with Comcast NBCUniversal’s businesses

This year, we are incredibly excited to meet founders building companies in our focus areas of Connected Living, Immersive and Inclusive Experiences, and Smart, Sustainable Enterprise. You can find more details on these topics below. Don’t feel confined by these focus areas. If you’re working on something interesting in the connectivity, media, or entertainment space, you should apply, particularly if you’re looking to build a deeper relationship with Comcast, NBCUniversal, or Sky. If you’re not sure, check out one of our planned events and connect with us in person in the following cities - Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, LA, Philadelphia,  NYC, Tel Aviv and London. Finally, if you are interested in meeting with our team to learn more, please request office hours. We’d love to hear from you and learn about what you are building.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Founders can apply now through May 11th, and the 12-week program is planned to begin on August 16th at the Comcast Technology Center in Philadelphia.

Connected Living:

As connected devices proliferate and a more decentralized internet emerges, consumers will increasingly rely on the constant and secure flow of data, information, and services. In the home, in communities, or on the go, the evolution of low-latency, reliable, seamless connectivity will power everything from home security, education, and work to entertainment, fitness, and health. New immersive and connected experiences will become the norm and will demand increased bandwidth, speed and interoperability. Startups and emerging technologies will play a lead role in developing the hardware, software and diverse business models of the connected future.

Immersive and Inclusive Experiences:

New technologies and advancements across XR, blockchain, AI, hardware and beyond are merging the physical and digital, bringing us together in new and previously unimagined ways. The way we interact with each other and immerse ourselves in gaming and new entertainment experiences is ever-evolving, with personalization, accessibility and community at the forefront. As these technologies and trends advance, they will unlock even broader opportunities to redefine the nature of entertainment, experience and participation.​

Smart, Sustainable Enterprise:

Enterprises are looking for smarter, faster and more efficient solutions to meet their customer and employee needs. Advancements in AI, ML, edge computing and blockchain, are reshaping the very nature of smart enterprise, becoming essential strategies and differentiators to increase productivity and simplify experiences.​ This is even more apparent with the rise of the hybrid workforce that requires enhanced collaboration tools while keeping privacy and security top of mind.

Read More