Innovation Labs

Summary: The BBC is intent on transforming how we access their online resources, by encouraging innovation from creative technologists and new media companies - delivered via three five-day residential rapid prototyping labs.

Location: Swinton Park – a luxury castle hotel set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens – near Masham, North Yorkshire. The castle is surrounded by an estate in which guests have access to rivers, reservoirs, moorland, dales and beautiful countryside bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Dates: 6th to 10th March 2006

Five intensive days (and four late nights) of brain-storming, market research, prototype/concept development, end-user profiling, mentor meetings, group meetings and ‘run-thru’ presentations culminated in a 15 minute pitch to two BBC commissioners (Jem Stone and Jason DaPonte from the BBC internet commissioning team).

The mentors made the difference between a good event and a great event. A well-trained and highly motivated team - they kept the energy up and the attitudes positive. Daily briefings were a must - reminding everyone of their goals, the key messages and helping us all to make adjustments where necessary.

Reminiscent of BBC TWO’s Dragons’ Den, where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to secure business funding, each team’s Friday presentation was the climax of the entire event. Although ten companies were invited – not all of them, including Save9, walked away with a BBC project commission on the final day. The lucky few deserved their accolade – they delivered great pitches (some very entertaining) and innovative ideas that had to be explored for their potential.

I’m sure most of us came away with much more than we had expected; a great experience, the kudos that comes with working with the BBC, some free publicity and business contacts that will hopefully last for years to come. A major bonus of the Yorkshire Innovation Labs 2006 is that each team will also be invited to another BBC workshop to pitch to venture capitalists and business angels - for exploring other development opportunities and financing.

In summary this was a significant event for new media companies in Yorkshire such as Save9 – with the BBC clearly demonstrating their interest in the creation and growth of new media talent within our region.