Indielab Launches New Content Futures Programme for 2026 - Applications Now Open
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A Strategic Accelerator for Independent Production Companies Adapting for a Shifting Market 20 January 2026
Indielab today unveiled the launch of Indielab Content Futures 2026, a reimagined strategic accelerator programme for independent production companies navigating disruption across the UK TV and content sector. Applications for the programme are now open.
The programme marks a major evolution of Indielab’s long-running support initiative to strengthen the UK sector, reflecting the realities of a market shaped by reduced commissioning, shifting audience behaviour, increased development risk and the need for broader commercial pathways. The new programme is designed to strengthen the future of TV business in the UK.
Content Futures 2026 is designed for established independent production companies, including Indielab alumni, who are reassessing their content strategy, revenue mix and operating models in response to a reshaped landscape.
“The challenge facing independent producers right now isn’t creativity or ambition – it’s strategic adjustment,” said Victoria Powell, Founder and CEO of Indielab. “Content Futures 2026 has been designed to help indies step back, make clearer strategic decisions and reset their businesses for the market they’re actually operating in today.”
Content Futures 2026 is supported by long-term funding partners the BBC, Screen Scotland and Channel 4, alongside content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment; leading media and entertainment law firm Harbottle & Lewis LLP – exclusive legal sponsor for the 2026 Content Futures Accelerator; and Nyman Libson Paul LLP, with Screen Scotland funding three bursary places for Scottish independent production companies.
"Like most companies, Scottish independent producers are navigating a period of market change and challenge, with many actively adapting their businesses to new commercial realities,” said Louise Acheson, Head of Business & Market Development at Screen Scotland. “Our continued partnership with Indielab, through funding bursary places, reflects our strategic commitment to business growth of the screen sector in Scotland. The evolved Content Futures 2026 programme will help ambitious Scottish indies access high-level, forward-thinking support that strengthens decision-making, supports diversification and builds long-term resilience across the sector.
A programme rebuilt for market reality
• Creative strategy and audience intelligence, helping companies understand where demand now sits across broadcast, digital and branded environments
• Revenue and commercial models, including branded entertainment, partnerships, IP exploitation and digital-first opportunities
• Industry insight, data and applied tech, with a practical approach to AI and tools that support development, packaging and operations
• Market positioning and partnerships, culminating in an Indie Showcase built to unlock meaningful commercial conversations
Technology and AI are embedded throughout, supporting real-world workflows rather than treated as a standalone solution or headline topic.
Key industry consultants and contributors include Dan Taylor-Watt (leading AI Consultant), Cathy Payne (CEO, Banijay Rights), Grace Wilson (COO, Left Bank Pictures), Emile Nawagamuwa (Commissioning Editor – Factual, UKTV), and Jason Mitchell (Founder, The Connected Set) alongside a broader group of senior industry figures.
“Indielab has a strong track record of supporting independent producers, and the launch of its newly designed Content Futures 2026 programme represents a clear and timely evolution of that work” said long-term partner of the Indielab Accelerators, Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights. “As the TV and content market continues to shift independent companies need space to step back and reassess their strategies, operating models and routes to market. Content Futures 2026 recognises that the future strength of the sector will be built by established businesses making clearer, more focused decisions about how their content connects with audiences. Banijay Entertainment is delighted to support the 2026 programme and the independent companies navigating this next phase of the market.”
Open to alumni as well as new applicants
As this is a new programme for a redefined market, it is also open to Indielab’s alumni network of more than 170 companies, who stand to benefit from strengthening their strategic approach to market shifts as well as current challenges and opportunities.
“This isn’t a re-run programme for alumni - it’s a response to a materially different market,” Powell added. “We’re seeing experienced companies under pressure to pivot to market shifts quickly and Content Futures 2026 is about giving them the space, frameworks and insight to reset with confidence and speed.”
As with previous programmes, the Content Futures 2026 cohort will include scripted and non-scripted independent production companies, with at least 50% of participants based in the UK’s nations and regions, reflecting Indielab’s ongoing commitment to diversity and resilient production hubs across the UK.
Applications now open
Indielab Content Futures 2026 will run across a series of in-person masterclasses in London, supported by virtual sessions between modules. Each participating company will receive two places on the programme.
Applications are now open to UK-based independent production companies that are not more that 25% owned by a broadcaster, working across scripted and non-scripted genres. Indielab actively encourages applications from under-represented groups.
For more information or to apply, visit: www.weareindielab.co.uk/content-futures-accelerator-2026
