This year, in partnership with Jukebox Ventures, it introduces an accelerator programme worth up to £1m for startups, offering investment in the most promising projects through funding, marketing and launch strategies.
Building on the resounding success of its debut in Croatia, this year’s edition will see Jukebox Ventures curate the music tech strand of the programme and host an accelerator session offering the chance to secure funding up to £1m for exciting new projects. Successful applications for the programme will get 50% discounted tickets for attending the conference.
Hosted at the exclusive Petram Resort and Residences, the conference provides a distinctive and intimate setting where executives, entrepreneurs, artists and investors can explore the evolving relationship between music, technology and culture. With 80% of last year’s attendees holding executive-level roles, including directors, managers and key decision makers from leading European agencies, promoters and festivals, Bridge has already established itself as a unique addition to the global music industry calendar, combining high-level discussions, curated networking and Istrian hospitality.
Bridge will once again bring together an exceptional lineup of speakers, executives and innovators from across the global music, entertainment and technology landscape, through a carefully curated programme exploring the future of music at the intersection of technology, AI, investment, artist development and the increasingly dynamic relationship between culture and digital innovation.
Confirmed speakers include industry leaders such as Maria May (Head of Electronic, Creative Artists Agency), Steve Hogan (Agent & Partner, WME), Greg Parmley (Managing Director, International Live Music Conference), Holger Jan Schmidt (General Secretary, YOUROPE), Fruzsina Szép (Festival Director, SUPERBLOOM and Lollapalooza Berlin), Sara Bazian (Strategic Partnerships Manager, YouTube Music), Ivan Milivojev (Co-Founder, EXIT Festival) and others, with more speakers to be announced soon.
Dušan Kovačević, co-founder of EXIT Festival, whose long-standing work across music, culture and social impact inspired the creation of Bridge as a platform for forward-thinking industry dialogue, said: “Bridge was born from the idea that the future of music will be built at the intersection of creativity, technology and human connection. With Jukebox Ventures joining us this year, we are creating a space where bold ideas, industry leadership and real investment come together to shape what comes next. Because for real business success, even the best ideas need direct access to the right people, and that is exactly what Bridge provides.”
Alex Jukes, founder of Jukebox Ventures, added: “At Jukebox Ventures, we believe the next wave of innovation in music and entertainment will come from founders who have traditionally been excluded from these spaces. Bridge is exactly the kind of platform that changes that. We believe the best way to achieve this is through direct contact, in-person meetings and building real relationships. By bringing together the brightest minds in the industry with a genuine commitment to supporting overlooked talent, we are not just investing in startups, we are investing in the future of the entire sector. We’re incredibly excited to be part of this.”
Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming weeks. A full schedule, including panel discussions, keynote sessions and the Jukebox Ventures pitch competition, will be available at bridgeconference.net.
