LAS VEGAS—Ten startups have been tapped as the first batch of companies that will participate in Sprockit’s program at the 2020 NAB Show.

Sprockit is a global marketplace that aims to help connect top startups and Fortune 500 companies in media, entertainment and technology. As part of the 2020 edition of Sprockit, the selected companies will exhibit at the 2020 NAB Show in the Sprockit Pavilion, located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Here are the first 10 announced startups:

• Bellwethr - Automates the ideal customer experience throughout the customer lifecycle (Kansas City, MO)
• Bixy - Improves monetization for publishers by leveraging consumer-controlled, opt-in data to power ad campaigns, email marketing, eCommerce and more (Kansas City, MO)
• Chartbeat - Empowers content creators to build loyal audiences with real-time and historical analytics across desktop, mobile, and social platforms (New York)
• Cross Screen Media - Offers marketing analytics and software solutions to build the next generation convergent TV platform (Alexandria, Va.)
• Envision - Analyzes image and video content to automatize video curation and editing (Montreal, Canada)
• ignifai - Provides a video analysis platform that uses AI technology to maximize content exposure, increase monetization and optimize production workflows (Paris)
• nēdl - Solves the content discovery problem for audio creators with Real-Time Transcription Search and a unique end-to-end distribution platform (Santa Monica, Calif.)
• Never.no - Makes TV interactive and advertising dynamic, helping broadcasters, advertisers and producers personalize content, increase audiences, engage viewers and grow revenues (Manchester, England)
• Tetavi - Perfects volumetric capture for immersive media enabling faster, accurate and portable XR, film and gaming productions (Tel Aviv, Israel)
• ZenSports - Allows anyone to create and accept sports bets with anyone else in the world, without the need for a centralized bookmaker (San Francisco)

In addition to presenting at the NAB Show, Sprockit participants are able to join in Sprockit Sync private network meetings that take place throughout the year. These Sync meetings include industry executives and Sprockit corporate partners, like Comcast, Fox, Google, Hearst Television, Public Media Venture Group, Samsung NEXT, Univision and Verizon.

Since its founding in 2013, Sprockit says that it has helped raise more than $1 billion in funding for its startups.

The application window for interested startups is still open, with the deadline to apply to participate in the 2020 NAB Show set for March 1. Applications can be completed online.

The 2020 NAB Show takes place from April 18-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com. 

LAS VEGAS—The last batch of startups that will be featured in this year’s Sprockit Hub at the 2019 NAB Show have been unveiled. In total, 27 startups have been tapped to join the Sprockit global marketplace, which strives to connect emerging companies with established figures in the media, entertainment and technology industries.

Here are the 12 newly announced startups that will make up this year’s Sprockit group:

• Adoppler—Platform for media buyers and sellers to establish direct programmatic channels with their partners.
• Advocado—Helps optimize advertisement spending by integrating CRMs and analytic tools for both broadcast and digital campaigns.
• Burbio—Aggregates local school, government, library, sports and community-based nonprofit events.
• Folio Photonics Inc.—Offers low-cost archival data storage with next-gen optical solutions with a 100-year archival lifespan.
• JUMP, Data-Driven Video—Uses Big Data and Artificial Intelligence technologies to provide insight on audience and content performance for video service market players.
• LocalBTV—Allows OTA viewers to watch local TV stations with phone, laptop & smart TV apps.
• Plum Research—Provides OTT audience measurement by analyzing hardware, software and ISP data to create high volume research panels for the entertainment industry.
• Switcher Inc.—Helps create professional-quality video content with the ability to edit and stream live directly from iPhones.
• Sympli—Connects designers, developers and other digital product team members through the integrated collaboration and workflow platform for building digital products.
• The Q - Live Game Network—Offers a platform for publishers, brands and broadcasters to deliver live gaming experiences through additional channels that can be embedded into their own properties.
• Vionlabs—Provides AI-powered products that analyze customer preferences and recommends content tailored to the end-user.
• Widespider—Leverages the latest in AI technologies to create customized news and content for individuals.

These companies, along with the previously announced batch, will exhibit in the Innovation Pipeline in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the NAB Show. They will also be able to participate in Sprockit Sync events throughout the year, where industry execs and entrepreneurs meet to discuss new technologies and collaboration opportunities.

In addition to revealing its full slate of startups for this year, Sprockit has also announced that it hit a new milestone. Since it began in 2013, the more than 150 companies that have participated in Sprockit have raised more than $1 billion, according to the organization, including $500 million after joining Sprockit. These numbers include the latest batch of Sprockit companies. Harry M. Glazer, the founder and CEO of Sprockit, calls the milestone “a true testament to the power of the global community and strength of the collective.”

All of the Sprockit companies will be highlighted during the 2019 NAB Show, which runs from April 6-11.

LAS VEGAS—Sprockit, the NAB Show program that puts a spotlight on emerging companies in the media, entertainment and technology industries, has announced its first batch of participants for the 2019 show.

Here are the companies that have been announced thus far:

• 6Connex - Provides global cloud-based software and services for enterprise online events.
• Applicaster - Allows users to quickly develop high-quality media apps at scale through an innovative SaaS platform.
• Anzu.io - Integrates ads into gameplay in an intuitive manner to connect brands and people.
• Centriply - Combines digital audience data and location-based linear TV analytics, allowing for maximum KPI value when planning and selling ad time.
• Cerebri AI – Analyzes consumer experience and quantifies brand commitment, allowing companies to propose next best actions for revenue growth.
• Countable - Provides a platform for audience engagement and retention, bringing Facebook-like features and functionality directly to properties and audience while maintaining brand control.
• Crystal - Makes all ad inventory addressable by communicating frame-accurate timing signals and content metadata from a TV network to select cable, satellite and OTT operators.
• Cut2It - Helps content owners acquire new multi-generation subscribers using patented synchronized engagement with virtually selected clips of media.
• FLOWICS - Provides an audience participation platform for broadcasters and media professionals to attract, retain and monetize audiences on all digital environments.
• Mira Technology Inc. - Enables businesses to display, update and manage content and applications across multiple screens from the cloud with a simple and secure HDMI stick.
• Moonlighting - Provides an on-demand marketplace for freelancers, entrepreneurs and recruiters to efficiently find talent.
• NGD Systems - Solves the issue of managing data growth, analytics and content delivery by creating an innovative Computational Storage solution.
• Pickaxe - Automates data science and AI-powered data analytics from various leading sources and provides clear business insights.
• SSIMWAVE Inc. - Provides real-time monitoring of the end-to-end quality of every video stream, over any type of network.
• Tru Optik - Provides a platform that allows customers the ability to monetize and engage target audiences across OTT in a privacy compliant manner.

These companies will exhibit alongside select Sprockit alumni in the new Innovation Pipeline in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. All companies will have the chance to present their technology in the Innovation Pipeline Theater. In addition, the selected companies will participate in year-round Sprockit Sync events, private forums with industry executives and entrepreneurs discussing new technology to move the industry forward.

Since 2013, companies that have participated in Sprockit have raised nearly $1 billion, according to Sprockit founder and CEO, Harry M. Glazer.

Applications for companies to participate at the 2019 NAB Show will close on March 6. Companies should email success@sprockitglory.com for additional information.

The 2019 NAB Show will take place from April 6-11. To register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.

The National Association of Broadcasters said 244 companies will be first-time exhibitors at the NAB Show in April.

The list includes Blubrry Podcasting, Libsyn, Padcaster, Women in Media, Sohonet, Deity Microphones, Red Bee Media and StreamShark. (See the list.) Some have appeared at the show in the past in other booths, such as Audinate, found in the Bosch/RTS in the past; others are likely to be entirely unfamiliar. The show will have approximately 1,700 total exhibitors including 819 from outside the United States.

We asked NAB Executive Vice President of Conventions and Business Operations Chris Brown for some insights into this aspect of the event.

Radio World:What can we glean from the list of companies — what technology sectors seem hottest, and in what kind of new tech areas is the show growing?

Chris Brown: It is a great list of new companies and they tend to reflect the breadth of the show and the trends that are driving innovation. We have companies covering all ends of the content lifecycle from acquisition to management to distribution — with a slight leaning, a little more than a third, representing acquisition and production technologies. From a tech and trends perspective we are seeing healthy interest in streaming technologies, advanced advertising, social media, cloud, storage and IP. Our focus every year is to dig for companies that are developing leading edge technologies or serving particular segments of our audience with specialized products or services.

RW: Do you know which NAB Show exhibitor is the longest-tenured?

Brown: Unfortunately we don’t have accurate enough history (and remember, the show has been around since 1923) to confirm this definitively. But we certainly have a healthy list of companies that have exhibited with us for a very long time; these include companies like Sony, Panasonic, Imagine and GatesAir (formerly Harris Corp.), Grass Valley, Avid and Ross just to name a few.

[Read: An NAB Show Sampler for Managers]

RW: What will be the three largest booths at the show?

Brown: Sony, Blackmagic Design and Canon. Beyond these and others that have been exhibiting for some time, we have a number of other important brands that are emerging with an increasing presence in the show. A couple of good examples would be AWS Elemental and Google. The combination of AWS and Elemental has matched the enormous resources AWS with the deep industry expertise of Elemental to create an entity that is having a major impact on the industry. In the case of Google, not much needs to be said — they play a vital, varied and growing role within the media and entertainment ecosystem. Just two years ago they were not even participating as an exhibitor.

RW: How does this year’s exhibit space compare to last year?

Brown: Between exhibit space and exhibitor activity in meeting rooms and suites, the show will once again cover more than 1 million square feet of activity. It will essentially cover the same area as last year.

RW:What are other platforms at the show where attendees can find up-and-coming companies?

Brown: We have an area of the show that is all about up-and-coming; we call it the Innovation Pipeline, and it covers the companies and trends from inception to full launch. Three distinct areas are included: NAB Pilot’s Futures Park, which represents the true R&D side of the equation, with research and other companies showing technologies that are still in the lab stage. Then there is Startup Loft, an area that features companies that are in their true infancy, with products or services that are baked but only on the market for a year or a year and a half. These are the “garage” entrepreneurs of our business. And as a final phase, there is Sprockit. Sprockit is a program that identifies the most promising young companies in the media and entertainment space and brings them into the spotlight at the show. These are companies that are bringing technology that can revolutionize, even disrupt, the industry.

We also will be featuring a number of technology pavilions that will lean forward and will feature companies that are relatively new to NAB Show. These include our Immersive Storytelling Pavilion (North Hall), the Game Developers Gallery (North Hall) and the Podcasting Pavilion (South Hall).

WASHINGTON—Sprockit has once again reserved a spot in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2018 NAB Show to highlight a group of startups for its Innovation Pipeline and has announced the first batch of companies that will be taking up the space.

The selected startups will demonstrate their technologies alongside select alumni in the Innovation Pipeline at the new Destination NXT Theater. In addition, the companies will participate in Sprockit Sync, a series of private forums throughout the year where industry executives and entrepreneurs meet to discuss new technologies that could advance the industry. Sprockit corporate members, like Fox Networks Group, Google, Hearst Television, Samsung NEXT, Tegna, Univision and Verizon Digital Media Services, will be on hand as well to connect with participants.

Here is the first group of companies that will participate in Sprockit’s NAB Show event:

• **Mobile help brands boost mobile engagement through strategic use of an omni-channel platform.
• AlertMe uses artificial intelligence to drive audience and revenue growth for publications while reducing dependency on Facebook.
• AppTek makes dark data more discoverable, usable and valuable for technology companies.
• Apptimize accelerates data-driven mobile growth through A/B testing and release management.
• Data+Math is an attribution platform that helps marketers connect business outcomes to advertising impressions.
• Graphika turns network relationships into dynamic maps of social influence, enabling precise targeting and results.
• LiftIgniter is a machine learning interface that helps improve click-through rates, engagement and conversion.
• Limbik is a data studio that uses predictive analytics to make content recommendations for publishers, brands and agencies.
• Seek is a network that allows a user to discover, share and experience augmented reality in one social platform.
• Skreens uses a cloud platform to deliver personalized content and videos to realize new revenue and retention possibilities.
• SocialFlow powers social distribution and revenue solutions for top publishers and media companies.
• SpherePlay offers a customizable virtual reality media player that is easy to integrate in 8K quality.
• SpokenLayer is a leader in voice content on Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant and soon, Apple’s Siri.
• SureWaves develops media convergence solutions that interweave television, digital displays, mobile and internet platforms.
• Trint combines a text editor and audio/video player to quickly generate accurate and searchable transcripts of interviews and speeches.
• VideoAmp is an integrated TV operating system for the convergence of the linear TV and digital video advertising ecosystems.
• Vizbee creates mobile and TV continuity that addresses the distribution, marketing and advertising challenges of over-the-top video.
• Wibbitz enables publishers and brands to produce videos for any platform quickly.

The full list will be announced in late March. Applications are still being reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested companies can email success@sprockitglory.com.

The 2018 NAB Show will take place from April 7-12.

Read up on all of TVT's 2018 NAB Show news here.

WASHINGTON—The final group of start-up companies participating in NAB’s Sprockit program have been announced for the upcoming trade show. The companies were by industry leaders to participate based on their potential to offer real solutions to challenges in today’s evolving market that many established media and entertainment companies face.

Now in its fifth year, Sprockit will showcase industry-vetted emerging companies at NAB Show, held April 22-27, 2017 in Las Vegas, and convene throughout the year at Sprockit Sync, a series of day-long private forums where industry executives and entrepreneurs meet to collectively discuss new technologies that will advance the industry. Since its launch in 2013, more than 100 emerging companies have participated in Sprockit, many of which have experienced successful funding rounds, partnerships and acquisitions.

“The 2017 cohort of Sprockit start-ups is amazing! Along with our industry leading corporate partners, they are revolutionizing the future of the media and entertainment industry," said Sprockit Founder and CEO Harry Glazer.

The start-ups invited to participate at NAB Show represent a variety of sectors with specific solutions for applications in areas such as advertising, analytics, mobile content production and content delivery. The final group of start-ups joining the 2017 Sprockit program include:

• City Spark is a digital content and software service that uses proprietary technology to provide media companies with comprehensive local event listings and effective monetization tools.
• CogniK is a cloud-based personalized content distribution platform that allows publishers to seamlessly personalize connections between individual content and audiences.
• DivvyCloud is a unified cloud management and automation technology.
• Elastic Media drives additional revenue and reduces costs for major media companies. Created using a combination of deep learning and native gesture controls, it is responsive to each user's engagement and tailored to each of their devices.
• Livescale allows content creators to broadcast livestreams to any web, app and most social media platforms simultaneously.
• NGCodec - Creator of RealityCodec, a compressor-decompressor technology optimized for ultra-low latency, high-quality cloud encoding applications.
• Pixability provides advanced audience targeting and insights, simplified campaign management, and complete reporting across social video platforms.
• Quintype’s smart CMS allows clients to create content easily across mobile, social and desktop, and also provides the means to engage and derive insights from specific audiences.
• Transform Inc. is the first cloud-based big data analytics platform designed specifically for enterprise revenue acceleration.
• Valossa is AI powered video analysis for content discovery and monetization.
• Verse is a free and interactive video platform that empowers creators.
• VoiceQ is an innovative software solution for post-production audio replacement.
• YouFirst is a professional tool that utilizes machine learning, emotion detection and data report automatization to optimize video production.
• ZPEG improves the performance of existing compressors as a workflow add-in without requiring costly infrastructure changes.

View the other participating start-ups here.

Applications for participation with Sprockit at NAB Show are no longer being accepted. However, Sprockit CEO Harry Glazer will meet with interested start-ups during on-site office hours, Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Sprockit Hub – to discuss the application process for the remainder of the year. For additional information, contact info@sprockitglory.com.

Sprockit is created in collaboration with World Series of Startups, LLC and the National Association of Broadcasters. Sprockit corporate partners include: Cox Media Group, Fox Networks Group, HCL Technologies, Hearst Television, Samsung Next, Tegna Inc., Univision Communications Inc., and Verizon Digital Media Services.

WASHINGTON—The first batch of start ups that will participate in the fifth annual Sprockit program at the 2017 NAB Show have been announced. These 10 companies are expected to be joined by an additional 20 to be showcased at the NAB Show.

The 10 companies are:

dostudioPRO – Enables companies and network partners to deliver content directly to consumers via websites and branded applications and across OTT platforms.

Epidemic Sound – Offers a global direct license that enables for media companies to easily distribute content across all platforms.

Ex Machina – Develops apps and multiscreen strategies for media companies and advertisers seeking engagement solutions for TV programs and live streams.

Guidebox – Puts video apps in front of users when they are searching for content on Apple TV, Roke, Amazon Fire, Google Chromecast and more.

ICX Media – A digital video management and data analytics platform for media companies, brands, digital video producers and creators.

Streamroot – Enables content providers to offer better quality video while improving the economics of OTT delivery.

Tradecast TV – Introduces the only end-to-end solution for easily managing, distributing and monetizing individual interactive TV channels and broadcasting networks, including a cloud-based linear TV channel and on demand, VOD/OTT and live broadcasting possibilities.

Wildmoka – Allows broadcasters and content owners to clip individual moments from live TV and events and share them across web, mobile and social platforms.

Vertebrae – Features native solutions that bring the world of virtual and augmented reality advertising to brands.

Vydeo – A patent-pending platform and software development kit for third party apps to interact with users via video.

These companies will be showcased at the 2017 NAB Show and throughout the year at Sprockit Sync private forums, which serve as a meeting for industry execs and entrepreneurs to discuss new technologies.

Sprockit is still accepting applications for participants on a rolling application. Companies will be selected by industry leaders based on their potential in offering solutions to current industry challenges. The application deadline to secure space at the 2017 NAB Show is March 1. Applications may be submitter here.

The 2017 NAB Show will take place from April 22-27 in Las Vegas.

WASHINGTON—SPROCKIT the NAB Show organizers are now accepting applications from startups to participate in SPROCKIT at the 2017 NAB Show and the year-long SPROCKIT Sync program. Interested companies must have market validation and prove the potential to significantly impact the media and entertainment industry. Applications may be submitted online here by Feb. 15.

Now in its fifth year, SPROCKIT will showcase up to 30 emerging companies, hand-selected by industry leaders, at the 2017 NAB Show – held April 22-27 in Las Vegas – and convene throughout the year at SPROCKIT Sync, a series of private forums where industry executives and entrepreneurs meet to collectively discuss new technologies that will advance the industry. Since its launch in 2013, nearly 100 emerging companies have participated in SPROCKIT, many of which have experienced successful funding rounds, partnerships and acquisitions.

SPROCKIT is created in collaboration with World Series of Startups, LLC and the National Association of Broadcasters. SPROCKIT corporate partners include Cox Media Group, Fox Networks Group, HCL Technologies, Hearst Television, Samsung Global Innovation Center, TEGNA, Univision Communications and Verizon Digital Media Services.

For more information about SPROCKIT, visit sprockitglory.com.

WASHINGTON—The stage is set for Sprockit 2016, as the National Association of Broadcasters and World Series of Startups have announced the final five companies that will participate in the program. Sprockit 2016 will be held during the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

The program serves as a showcase for emerging startups that were selected by industry experts based on “their potential to influence the media, entertainment and technology markets,” according to the NAB’s press release. These five new companies join the previously announced 20.

Here are the final five companies:

• Brightspot is a management platform for building websites, mobile applications and other content.
• EasyBroadcast reduces streaming bandwidth via a hybrid P2P model.
• Ever engages customers and increases video monetization.
• Ringr is a free mobile app that allows users to record quality audio interviews with persons of interest.
• VideoBlocks is a subscription-based video and audio stock that provides unlimited download access to its users for royalty-free content.

NAB Show attendees will vote on the most promising startup at the Sprockit Hub in booth N8635. The top five startups will be honored at an awards ceremony on April 19.

All 25 companies selected to participate in Sprockit at the 2016 NAB Show will convene again later in the year at Sprockit Sync, a series of private meetings where new technologies are introduced and discussed.

WASHINGTON—The number of startup companies set for the Sprockit 2016 program is now up to 20, as the NAB has announced the next 10 participants. These emerging companies join the other 10 companies previously announced for the fourth annual Sprockit program, which will have them present and collaborate on solutions and issues in the media industry.

Here are the new additions to the Sprockit line-up:

• Blue Frame Technology’s Production Truck software, streaming platform and first-class support make it easy and cost-effective for individuals, groups, and organizations to stream and monetize video content.
• Easy Live is a cloud-based editing tool for distributing content on all platforms with one click.
• Hearken is an audience-driven platform enabling journalists to partner with the public to create relevant and high performing stories.
• KlowdTV is a live streaming subscription platform compatible with desktop computers and mobile devices, along with Roku, Google Chromecast, and AppleTV. Its programming is fully licensed for U.S. distribution, including live sports and outdoor programming.
• MegaphoneTV enhances the viewer experience through unique features such as interactive on-air graphics, nationwide real-time audience polling, contests and gaming, and actionable ads tailored to any show.
• Streamstar designs and manufactures advanced live production tools that enable users to easily produce and stream professional multi-camera video productions.
• Switchboard Live, formerly JOICASTER, allows live content creators to syndicate their live stream to more than one platform and leverage the subscriber base of multiple channels to increase viewership.
• TVadSync helps advertisers improve return on online advertising by reaching the right consumers at the right time with the right message.
• Viviso is a live TV ad-injection platform for TV channels that offers the opportunity to monetize live streaming ad-breaks on any connected device.
• VizSense’s platform tracks content and measures its social movement to provide interactive visuals for identifying and engaging super fans, credible voices and key influencers.

In addition to taking part in the 2016 Sprockit program during the 2016 NAB Show, all selected companies will convene throughout the year at Sprockit Sync, a series of private meetings where executives and entrepreneurs meet to discuss and introduce new technologies.

The NAB is expected to announce 10 more companies to the Sprockit 2016 line-up in the near future, for a total of 30 companies.

WASHINGTON—The first batch of companies selected to participate in Sprockit’s 2016 program has been announced. These 10 startup companies were selected based on “their potential to offer real solutions to challenges in today’s evolving market that many established media and entertainment companies,” said a joint report from NAB and Sprockit.

The fourth annual Sprockit program will showcase emerging companies at the upcoming 2016 NAB Show, and then convene throughout the year at Sprockit Sync, a series of private meetings where new technologies are expected to be introduced and discussed.

Here is the first batch of companies that will take part in this year’s program and descriptions provided by the report:

• AmpLive – helps content creators and marketers, using live video, build better audiences by tracking user attention and using that data to retarget and engage at a later time.
• Appiness – provides advanced solutions for video commerce. The company offers time-stamped products and brands for shopping via any smart device, locally or internationally.
• Crowdynews – is the largest social media curation platform, delivering social content to the news media worldwide.
• Nervve – helps industry leaders to target, measure and monetize media through visual search and analysis.
• OwnLocal – builds the bridge between small and medium businesses and local media companies by automating digital marketing through a secure source.
• Stre.am – a mobile live streaming platform with enterprise video player capabilities that is platform-agnostic and can consume live video from mobile devices, GoPros, and more.
• System73 – the “Google Maps” for OTT broadcast video. Simple codes added to the video stream guarantee delivery of high quality video to millions of viewers simultaneously with no blocking, while reducing costs.
• trueAnthem – a data-driven social publishing solution that enables media companies to maximize profitability from social media.
• TVision Insights – leverages state-of-the-art computer vision technology to collect viewers’ demographics, emotions, actual viewing habits, and content engagement by analyzing data from sensors in the living room.
• Vigour – empowers media companies and operators to revolutionize online video services using Vigour Video, a world-class interface platform that captivates customers and connects their screens.

Up to 30 companies will be selected to participate in the 2016 program. Applications are still being accepted and invitations are done on a rolling basis. The application deadline is March 14. For more information, click here (sprockitglory.com).

The 2016 NAB Show will take place from April 18-21 in Las Vegas.