The Seven Network has revealed the results of the second round of its flagship innovation initiative, Ignite, which saw seven employee-led generative AI concepts selected for prototype development.
A three-week event, Ignite brings together internal cross-functional teams of engineers, data scientists, product managers and staff from across the business to collaborate and develop ideas that push boundaries and advance Seven's offerings and capabilities.
The latest series saw a record number of volunteer participants from across Seven, with nearly 60 ideas put to a company-wide vote. The top seven concepts were then selected for prototype development, vying for the top prize. The winner receives further development and integration into Seven's products and services.
Taking the top honours was Preview Town, a development concept which delivers a series of short trailer previews when a user selects a piece of content. Led by Liz De Nobrega, the winning team included Luke Jensen, Andrew Green, David Van Oosterom, Rakib Dewan, Aaron Bush, Stefan Creovina, Zinnia Wang, Safeera Kuttiyoth and Marcus Torre.
Ignite started in 2022, with the latest event focused on generative artificial intelligence in sport across the 7plus platform, using tech partner Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) suite of resources to create the best user and client experience.
The judging panel for the recent Ignite event included Nina Walsh, head of media and entertainment business development for Asia Pacific, Japan & Americas at AWS; Lucinda Gemmell, Seven’s chief people and culture officer; 7SPORT digital executive producer Tara Carlon; and Rachel Page, Seven Network's digital sales director.
Seven’s director of product solutions, Will Everitt, said by bringing together engineers with staff from diverse functions and backgrounds, Ignite encourages collaboration across traditionally siloed parts of the business.
"Engineers work directly with sports journalists, commercial teams and people from other departments to gain insights into challenges from different perspectives," he said.
“The Ignite program highlights Seven's focus on fostering innovation across its business. By the end of each Ignite event, participants have a deeper knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of emerging technologies. They learn how to scope projects, realistically based on available resources and timeframes.
"This increased technical literacy among non-engineers fosters a shared language and more productive partnerships across Seven.”
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