Washington, D.C. — PILOT, NAB’s technology innovation initiative, is now accepting submissions for the PILOT Innovation Challenge through 5 p.m. ET on January 31. The program will provide mentorship and promotion to winning proposals, along with an opportunity to demonstrate their products at NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 23-27, 2022.

This year’s challenge is seeking startups and growing companies providing solutions to some of the key challenges and opportunities facing broadcasters over the next two to three years. The challenge is specifically seeking products or prototypes that align with three new focus areas of the 2022 NAB Show associated with the content lifecycle. These areas are:

  • “Create”: Focused on content creation from pre-production to post, including the latest tools and advanced workflow options to elevate storytelling.
  • “Capitalize”: Focused on reach and ROI, including next-generation technologies creating new revenue streams and fueling the content economy.
  • “Connect”: Focused on content distribution and delivery, from cloud computing to new media infrastructure.

“The Innovation Challenge presents a showcase for the cutting-edge ideas and innovations that can transform how broadcasters do business and serve their communities,” said PILOT Executive Director John Clark. “This year’s program aligns with NAB Show’s focus on the three main pillars of today’s content ecosystem as we provide renewed opportunities to help broadcasters evolve and adapt.”

Individuals, teams, companies, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply subject to the Challenge’s official rules of participation. Up to 10 finalists will be selected by a panel of industry experts by early March, with up to three winning proposals being announced the week of March 28, 2022. Participants can review the judging criteria on the PILOT website.

Winners will be selected to receive relevant mentorship, feedback, numerous opportunities to engage with broadcasters and a trip to the annual NAB Show, held April 23-27, 2022 in Las Vegas. They will be provided exhibit space on the NAB Show floor to demonstrate their prototype to potential customers, investors and partners.

The deadline to apply is January 31 at 5 p.m. ET.