13 November 2025. 7-9:30pm
Canary Wharf, London
ENTRY GUIDELINES
Entries are now open for the 2025 Indielab Innovation Awards
These Awards celebrate the most groundbreaking, bold, diverse, and impactful content and talent across the UK TV, digital-first, and multiplatform landscape.
Entry Deadline: 1 August 2025
Shortlist revealed: September 2025 (tbc)
Winners Announced: 13 November 2025, on the evening of GrowthLab London
All shortlisted candidates will receive two tickets to attend the live ceremony, including drinks and canapés, in Canary Wharf, London, on 13 November 2025. Extra tickets are subject to availability and at an additional cost.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
For Indielab’s 10-year anniversary, we’re recognising UK TV indies, creators and projects that push the boundaries of storytelling, technology and inclusion across every screen and revenue stream – from traditional TV to YouTube and FAST. Each category focuses on innovation, impact, and creative excellence.
You may enter more than one category if eligible. All submissions must have been first released or broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025.
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Entry fees:
Single entry - £95 (+VAT)
Bundle of 3 entries - £85 each (+VAT)
Bundle of 6 entries - £75 each (+VAT)
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Bundle entry rates will require a discount code, please contact abigail@weareindielab.co.uk to receive this before making payment and submitting your entries.
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Entries will not be accepted without payment. Please ensure payment is made by the end of July 2025 and no refunds will be permitted. If you have any further questions about payment, please contact abigail@weareindielab.co.uk
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Please ensure you also read through the entries carefully before submission.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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Submit via AwardStage: You will need to register to submit your entry. Entries can be saved in draft and completed at a later stage
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Deadline: 1 August 2025
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Eligibility: Open to UK-based content creators, production companies, and Indies. Eligible content must be broadcast or live between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025
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Materials: Up to 200 words summary, and then a longer, detailed description explaining why your entry should win. Include video links, pictures, logo, audience stats, and testimonials and any further supporting documents
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Video specs: No more than 30 second programme trailers, size: 16:9 landscape, 1080p MP4, 4GB Max. Please also supply programme episode links only, separately
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Picture specs: Any size PNGs
JUDGING PROCESS
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All entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts, matched by category expertise.
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Each judge will score entries through our streamlined online platform.
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Judges will provide qualitative feedback for high-scoring entries.
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The shortlist will be announced ahead of the live ceremony in November.
AWARD CATEGORIES & ENTRY CRITERIA
BEST DRAMA
OUTSTANDING
MULTI-SCREEN
CONTENT
OUTSTANDING
INDIE OF THE YEAR
FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT
Outstanding drama programme which has seen significant success and redefined the genre. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025 - Can be a drama series, mini-series, or a returning drama series
Content which has succeeded in delighting audiences across screens, potentially including TV, streamer, podcast, social, digital-first and events. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme or content brand predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Must demonstrate audience delight across screens and platforms.
Celebrating an indie routinely at the cutting edge of content creation and inspiring audiences. Eligibility includes: - Indie must have its headquarters in the UK.
Trailblazing programme that combines factual storytelling with engaging entertainment formats. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a standalone episode, series or mini-series.
BEST
DOCUMENTARY
Groundbreaking documentary programme that has transformed the genre and reimagined its scope. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a standalone episode, series or mini-series.
BREAKTHROUGH
REALITY SERIES
A reality TV programme that has broken new ground within the genre and taken the industry by storm. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a series or mini-series.
CREATOR OF THE
YEAR
Influential creator in digital-first who has succeeded in building and delighting audiences. Eligibility includes: - Creator making significant contributions to UK audiences.
BRANDED ENTERTAINMENT
Outstanding original programme on TV or digital-first, funded by a brand that resonates with audiences. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme or digital content predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a standalone episode, series or mini-series.
INNOVATION IN
TECH-ENHANCED STORYTELLING
FAST CHANNEL OF
THE YEAR
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
OF THE YEAR
Original programme which has broken new ground with the use of technology like ​Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other interactivity within storytelling​. Entry requirements: - Must be a programme predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a standalone episode, series or mini-series.
Outstanding Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) Channel delivering breakthrough content and building devoted audiences. Eligibility includes: - Must be a channel making significant contributions to UK audiences.
Exemplifies commitment to the representation and inclusion of diverse individuals both on screen and behind the camera. Eligibility includes: - Must be a programme or digital content predominantly produced by a UK-based production company and aired (on any broadcaster, streamer, digital channel or platform) between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2025. - Can be a standalone episode, series or mini-series.
An exceptional channel that consistently innovates and captivates with viral-worthy moments. ​ Eligibility includes: - Must be a channel making significant contributions to UK audiences.
QUESTIONS?
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Contact the Awards Team at abigail@weareindielab.co.uk
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The 2025 Indielab Innovation Awards are sponsored by
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