Simon Cowell and Will.i.am planning "X-Factor for tech"
Simon Cowell and Will.i.am are said to be planning a new show, described as “X-Factor for Tech”.
Presumably some sort of cross between Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice, the show will see the music mogul and popstar on the hunt for the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, offering a platform to up-and-coming tech entrepreneurs and start-ups to get their ideas to the masses.
“We’re working on a project called X Factor for Tech – and it’s going to be out of this world,” said Will.i.am.
“Singing and performance create a couple of jobs. But this will create lots. It’s about getting in touch with youth and giving them a platform to express themselves — whether that’s in science or mathematics.”
Though Cowell’s tech credentials are dubious, Will.i.am is no stranger to tech circles. Director of creative innovation at Intel since 2011, he’s already set up the i.am.angel non-profit organisation, a charity using “education, opportunity and inspiration”, which he’s already christened as another venture to find a new Bill Gates.
As yet, there’s no guarantee that the planned show will hit TV screens. It’ll be interesting though to see what sort of companies and entrepreneurs look to get involved with the show if it launches; historically, X-Factor winners have suffered from short shelf lives, and even shorter support from the show’s producer’s and labels if they don’t prove instantly and consistently profitable. With tech ideas taking for longer to get off the ground, creatives will have to be very careful to safeguard their ideas for the long-term if they chose to get involved.
Via: The Sun
