The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that its technology division, NAB Labs, has entered into a corporate partnership with 1776, a Washington, D.C.-based startup hub.
Founded in 2013, 1776 offers startup companies with high growth potential the means to build and expand their operations.
NAB Labs provides a platform for innovation, a venue for forging partnerships and testing new technology, and educational events to create awareness about over-the-air radio and television technology initiatives.
NAB Labs has made a variety of strategic investments in technologies and companies like NextRadio, a provider of smart phone apps and hybrid-radio services; Syncbak, an over-the-top (OTT) media technology company; and most recently, Antenna, an online and mobile engagement platform that that captures and measures audience sentiment.
“Since its launch, 1776 has helped foster companies on the leading edge of innovation in government-dominated markets,” said NAB Chief Technology Officer Sam Matheny. “NAB’s partnership allows us the chance to closely collaborate with these startups that are advancing technology in fields of interest to our members, such as cybersecurity and unmanned aerial vehicles. We also hope working with 1776 yields opportunities for cross-collaboration with our other programs, investments and members.”
“Startups today are keenly sensitive to the evolution of the broadcasting industry, and they are eager to know how they can prepare themselves,” said 1776 Managing Director David Zipper.“By partnering with NAB, 1776 will be able to provide our members with a unique lens to recognize broadcasting technology needs and opportunities that would otherwise go unrecognized.”
NAB, along with the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), is also producing The 2015 Radio Show, to be held September 30 – October 2 in Atlanta.
This year’s show brings radio broadcasters and industry colleagues together to share knowledge, discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders and explore creative business strategies for the digital age.
The event will be covered by Asia Radio Today.