A startup using AI to create personalised extended reality audio-visual experiences for the BBC is among nine firms to receive a share of a £450,000 creative industry prize fund.
The latest cohort of the MyWorld accelerator programme from Digital Catapult, a UK innovation agency, will focus on bringing innovative technology to the creative industries.
Nine startup teams will be awarded £50,000 each to develop prototype AI products to enhance storytelling and immersive creative experiences.
Members of the cohort will collaborate with Digital Catapult’s industry partners the BBC and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop the products.
The BBC will work with Fictioneers, Black Goblin and The Gentleman Octopus to produce an AI creative assistant, an immersive XR headset for music videos and a sound suite of AI-generated audio effects.
“The BBC relies on a vibrant and innovative creative industry across the UK, and Bristol and the West of England is an important part of the industry,” said Alan Archer-Boyd, lead engineer of audio R&D at the BBC.
“This challenge will be of great benefit to the region, and I look forward to working closely with the successful challenge entrants.”
AWS will advise Nulight Studio, Noods Radio, Force of Habit and SuperScout to develop AI film production tools, an automated location-scouting app, a content recommendation system and a tool for video game developers to track and react to player experiences.
“Supporting collaboration through the MyWorld programme between large organisations and startups has never been more important, as the sector tests and develops new trustworthy AI solutions,” Sarah Addezio, senior innovation partner at Digital Catapult.
“These solutions offer opportunities for businesses to utilise AI to improve operations, transform production processes, and solve inefficiencies, all while ensuring responsible and ethical considerations are taken into account.”
Last year, Digital Catapult began working with tech giant Nvidia on a creative tech firm challenge in the West of England.
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