Applications are now being welcomed for Indielab, a new accelerator programme for independent TV production companies.

London-based production companies can submit their entries between now and 29 January 2016; click here for the online application form.

A maximum of 15 independents will get the opportunity to pitch for up to £2m each in private equity investment, to be accompanied by high-level training from industry leaders.
The purpose of Indielab is to equip the production companies with the knowledge, investment and contacts they need to expand and develop.

There will be masterclasses and workshops across a broad range of industry-related topics, with over 30 advisors and speakers, including Chris Pye, Pat Younge, Emily Elisha and Donna Taberer.

Founded by senior TV executive and industry leader Victoria Powell (pictured), it has backing from the Mayor of London, the London Enterprise Panel and Creative Skillset”s High-End TV Skills Levy, which contributes to the Skills Investment Fund.

Eligibility criteria for production companies include being based in London with a turnover of up to £5m, and currently producing programming for UK broadcasters.

Successful applicant companies will be announced in early February 2016 and will be invited to nominate two employees to take part in the programme, which will take place over a three-month period from March to May 2016.

Powell said of the new stage of the programme: “Since launching just over a month ago, there has been a phenomenal interest in the Indielab programme. Entries have only just opened and well over 100 indies have already registered their interest with us. We are expecting a very strong cohort of companies for our first programme.”

Click here for full details of the scheme.