Stingr brings frictionless second‑screen interaction to IBC2026
August 18, 2026 10.48 Europe/London By Robert Briel

Stingr, a new venture created by the founders of Hornets Tech, is set to debut a breakthrough second‑screen interaction platform at IBC2026 — aiming to finally solve a problem the TV industry has struggled with for more than a decade.

Second‑screen engagement has long promised deeper viewer interaction, but in practice it has been hampered by clunky QR codes, intrusive on‑screen prompts and fragmented journeys through search engines, social platforms and retailer sites. Stingr’s founders say the industry has accepted too much friction for too long.

Stingr removes those barriers entirely. Viewers simply point their smartphone at the TV screen, and within seconds the platform identifies exactly what they are watching — whether it’s live, catch‑up or on‑demand. It then surfaces the relevant shopping opportunities, sponsor content or additional information tied to that precise moment in the programme. There are no QR codes, no prompts, and no interruption to the broadcast.

Broadcasters can integrate Stingr directly into their own apps, keeping control of the viewer experience, data relationship and commercial opportunities. The technology opens new revenue streams around sponsored interactions, product placement, interactive advertising and archive content — all without requiring changes to the programme itself.

Stingr also supports on‑demand sign‑language delivery, synchronised with the broadcast on a second device. This gives broadcasters and streaming services a new tool to expand accessibility as they prepare for obligations under the Media Act 2024.

“In this industry we use the word ‘transformational’ a lot, but this really does have the potential to make a difference,” said Alistair Horne, co‑founder of Stingr. “It is a way of stimulating revenue directly, under the broadcaster’s control, not somebody else’s.”

Horne added that Stingr will have teams on the ground throughout IBC2026: “If you want to see it working, let’s meet.”

Stingr will be showcased at IBC2026 at the RAI Amsterdam.