It was announced yesterday that this year’s Lions Innovation Festival programme will include a unique new Start-up Academy, developed in partnership with pioneering global digital agency R/GA. The academy has been designed to help innovative new companies sharpen their brand identity, focus their business plans and market their products and services more effectively. Places at the academy will be awarded to two representatives from up to ten hand-picked start-up companies, with the reps also to receive complimentary accommodation and passes to the Festival. At the academy, they will take part in a programme of intensive mentorship and get an exclusive introduction to the community of leading creatives, senior marketers and high-level decision-makers that the festival attracts. Over three days, they will undertake workshops with senior marketers and intimate sessions with speakers drawn directly from the stages of Lions Innovation. The programme will culminate in an invitation-only demo event where they’ll pitch to an exclusive audience of media, agency executives, chief executives, innovation and marketing officers.
This year’s Lions Innovation Festival programme will include a unique new Start-up Academy, developed in partnership with pioneering global digital agency R/GA
Head of Lions Innovation, Rob Dembitz, said “Start-ups are integral to the industry. But what those in the early to mid-stages of development often need to take the next step is guidance on how to position themselves to the world’s biggest brands. As the global meeting place for those in marketing and communications, we’re ideally placed to provide access to that expertise. The Start-up Academy is an amazing opportunity for the most talented innovators to be in exactly the right place, at the right time, getting the right advice to help them take their next step.”
In the last two years R/GA has successfully facilitated the development of start-ups through its own programme, the R/GA Accelerator. They will be tapping into this experience in order to help tailor the academy programme, vet applicants and advise participants. “Our experience with the community has shown that what start-ups need most is help with strategy, positioning and exposure to key decision makers,” said Stephen Plumlee, global chief operating officer and EVP at R/GA. “By bringing talented companies to Lions Innovation, we’re giving them access to mentors, creatives and marketers that have the ability to transform their businesses.”
The academy has appointed a Dean in the shape of Paul Woolmington, who was named one of the ten most creative people in marketing and advertising by Fast Company
The Start-up Academy has also appointed a Dean in the shape of Paul Woolmington, who was named one of the ten most creative people in marketing and advertising by Fast Company, and was behind the launch of two successful communications companies. He is also an angel investor and advisor to major brands, media companies, governments, start-ups and social cause organisations worldwide. Woolmington said: “I’m honoured to be a part of this first-of-its-kind programme. The Start-up Academy will provide amazing inspiration and access for the cream of the world's start-ups, but also a much-needed bridge to the future for brands, media companies and agencies.”
Applications to the Start-up Academy are now open to companies classed as early-stage to growth-stage with a working prototype or product in the market, who are looking to accelerate their growth through partnerships with consumer-focused brands. Sample technologies include mobile and social applications, CRM/loyalty services, brand and consumer experiences, cashless commerce, social currency, connected retail and commerce, beacons and customer tracking, augmented and virtual reality, new media platforms and content management systems, enterprise solutions and gaming. The Start-up Academy will take place from the 22nd to the 24th of June, and Lions Innovation takes place from the 25th to the 26th of June.
