Announced at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2025, this is the BBC’s first-ever digital-focused accelerator – representing the largest investment of its kind in the North East’s digital screen sector.

The Digital Accelerator is a bold new partnership between the BBC and North East Screen, designed to grow and strengthen the region’s digital production sector. With £600,000 total funding available, the programme aims to fast-track the growth of digital-first content companies in the North East, combining direct investment with tailored mentoring and skills development to unlock long-term creative and commercial potential.

Over a 9–12 month period, up to four independent production companies will be selected to take part in the Digital Accelerator. Each will receive funding to develop and produce innovative content formats, for both on and off BBC platforms – from vertical video and livestreams to creator collaborations and platform-native storytelling designed for TikTok, YouTube, Twitch and more.

Selected companies will also receive ongoing support from BBC and North East Screen teams, including mentorship, editorial and business guidance, to help them scale up and deliver high-impact, market-ready digital content.

This scheme is funded by the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership.

Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer & BBC Three, said: “This exciting collaboration between the BBC and North East Screen invites production companies in the region with a commitment to creativity – and a drive to nurture a new generation of digital talent – to step forward. Our ambition is to help create a thriving, sustainable digital production ecosystem in the North East, one that can generate IP for public service and commercial platforms alike.”

Lisa Laws, Development Director, North East Screen said: “This is a game-changing moment for the North East’s digital content creators. The Digital Accelerator is all about unleashing bold ideas and backing our best regional talent to shine on global platforms.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership working with the BBC, providing this new opportunity to supercharge the next wave of digital content creators from the North East.”

Applications will open later this year.

To register your early interest – please complete the expression of interest form

All details and guidance will soon be available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/.