Formula 1 is working with technology firm Digital Catapult and a cohort of small and medium-sized enterprises to jointly explore 5G solutions to events industry challenges, as part of 5PRING, the UK’s first 5G commercial application accelerator. 

Formula 1 is on the hunt for solutions to enhance event experiences for auto racing fans, making viewing experience more inclusive and interactive for audiences both live and at home, through the use of 5G and innovative technologies. 

Working with Digital Catapult, Formula 1 will test the latest emerging technologies and quantify the value through Digital Catapult’s 5G lab and demonstrators; explore new fan engagement opportunities alongside startups and scaleups; and build upon its already strong innovation culture by tapping into these startups and scaleups

The 5PRING Live Events programme, kicking off this month, brings together startups, scaleups and industry experts to develop innovations in the events sector using 5G. 

Startups and scaleups on the programme will gain access to cutting-edge technology and private 5G networks; a tailored acceleration curriculum; plus coaching, mentoring and expertise provided throughout the programme from experts at Virgin Media O2, Deloitte, Wayra, West Midlands 5G and Digital Catapult.

5PRING is one of several programmes involving Digital Catapult that explore 5G’s potential to revolutionise live events. Others include 5G VISTA, which aims to deliver a more interactive and broader range of contents to sports fans. 5G Festival is creating a ‘Festival of the Future’ where artists and audiences can gather and connect both in person and online via 5G. And 5G Testbed Accelerator is a programme where startups used 5G to enhance products and services. Sceenic developed Watch Together, a multi-platform solution that puts content and conversation in one place, so that people can simultaneously enjoy and interact with the same content in different locations – from families to fanbases

“Formula 1 is excited to work with 5PRING to explore exciting new ways of providing fans great experiences using 5G,” said Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures at Formula 1. “F1 is thrilled to be exploring with the startups and scaleups focused in this area, knowing that 5G is a technology that will transform and hugely impact event experiences globally.”