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Co-create and scale internationally

What if you could integrate and test drive your solutions in a real live environment? 

Join STADIEM: a piloting and acceleration programme that brings together start-ups, scale-ups, investors and media organisations to foster the development of Next Generation Media solutions. With the programme, VRT builds on the strength of its international network to accelerate the impact of innovation.

The STADIEM accelerator program ended in September 2023. Stay tuned for the new open call in 2025.

Learn more about STADIEM

The challenge to scale internationally

Congratulations on building a market-ready product, developing a scalable business model, and establishing your initial client portfolio as a media startup founder! Now, as you aim to expand internationally, you encounter the challenges posed by the fragmented European market, small-scale media players, and limited investment opportunities for supporting your growth. Additionally, in today's climate, decision-makers are more cautious about approving new innovative projects and seek greater security measures, leading to longer sales cycles. 

ENTER STADIEM

Let us introduce STADIEM (STARTUP DRIVEN INNOVATION IN EUROPEAN MEDIA): a unique Pan-European acceleration program specifically designed for media start-ups and scale-ups.  

  • STADIEM aims for innovation by co-creation. As part of our program, you'll be introduced to a network of European media houses to find your ideal corporate partner.

  • Over the course of 12 months, you and your partner will go through different phases to optimize your product, integrate it into workflows, and ultimately pilot-test it.

  • By the end of the program, you will have established a solid long-term relationship with your partner, providing a strong foundation for your future international growth.

  • As a program participant, you'll also receive funding of up to 150,000 euros through a cascade funding scheme, with no equity stake involved.

Before we started STADIEM our planned revenue was 250k with our SaaS product. After our participation with STADIEM we are reaching 500k primarily with our newly developed solution. With a new recent offer of 200k on the line to triple our expected revenue.
Andrey Esaulov, founder BotTalk

Boosting media innovation across European borders 

The STADIEM consortium is composed of experts across all media disciplines to provide the best support in Europe on their way to become a scale-up.  Together with EBU, Martel Innovate, F6S, Media City Bergen, NMA.VC and StoryTek, VRT aims to make Europe a global leader in media innovation.   

The STADIEM project is funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme under Grant Agreement number 957321.