Hilversum will have a Media Innovation Hub. VodafoneZiggo, Beeld & Geluid, Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO), TKI CLICKNL, NEP Netherlands and Hilversum Media Park Steering Committee signed a letter of intent to this effect on 14 June. The hub will focus on new applications for entertainment and media content that appeal to all the senses, also known as immersive content. The parties’ aim is to strengthen the media industry in the Netherlands and the region. The Media Innovation Hub will be located at the Media Park in Hilversum and is expected to open in the autumn.

The hub will be part of a campus and business centre, where parties will cooperate in the field of research and innovation. The hub will focus on the development of new applications and business models with a focus on media, entertainment and immersive content. Examples of these are the metaverse and 5G-driven technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, where the possibilities of 5G technology will be further explored. Through collaboration between parties and educational institutions, the hub will become a breeding ground for talent.

Minister receives recommendations
In the run-up to the signing of the letter of intent, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens received a report from the Economic Board Utrecht (EBU) on behalf of the cabinet on 13 June. This included recommendations for investments needed to develop the Media Innovation Hub to have a national impact. The hub will contribute to the Utrecht Metropolitan Region's ambition to strengthen its economic climate by attracting talent, innovating and accelerating the introduction of advanced media technologies and applications internationally.

New content experiences
Robin Kroes, Director of Strategy Insights & Integration at VodafoneZiggo: "VodafoneZiggo believes that the Media Innovation Hub will play an important role in introducing compelling applications in the field of media and entertainment. These will drastically change the way people consume content and entertainment. Applications such as those in the metaverse will be developed and tested here."

Ton van Mil, Director of Media Perspectives and member of the Media Park steering committee, is enthusiastic about the arrival of the Media Innovation Hub. "Research and innovation are key elements for campus development at the Media Park. I am also excited by the number of parties participating in this initiative."

Eppo van Nispen tot Sevenaer, Managing Director of Beeld & Geluid, says "Hilversum, and the Media Park in particular, has literally been the centre of content creation when it comes to news and entertainment for decades. About 80% of what the Dutch see or hear every day comes from there. This has put us among the world's top media producers, both technically and in terms of content. A hub like this is essential if the Netherlands is to maintain its place at the top."

Bart Ahsmann, Director of TKI CLICKNL: "The hub is an important building block for bundling the innovative power of media and entertainment in the field of immersive content and making it applicable. The hub is part of the initiative for a national Immersive Content programme".