Disney continues to explore the potential of AI across its businesses, showcasing collaborations with five AI startups at its 2026 Accelerator programme's demo day.
Now in its 12th year, the Disney Accelerator is designed to speed up the growth of companies working to create new entertainment experiences for Disney fans.
This year's Accelerator is made up of five companies spanning robotics, generative AI and data synthesis – Promise, OpenArt, FieldAI, Physical Intelligence, and Simile.
At the demo day, AI-native entertainment studio and technology company Promise took guests through a live demonstration of hybrid filmmaking, blending live-action production with generative creative workflows.
The Disney Accelerator has selected five AI startups for this year's cohort, spanning robotics, generative AI, and data synthesis Disney
Through its collaboration with Walt Disney Studios, Promise is exploring how AI-enabled techniques can integrate AI into the production process while protecting a project's creative integrity and craft.
OpenAir, an AI-powered creative platform, announced a partnership with Disney Music Group to rapidly create visual concepts for lyric videos inspired by a song's themes, mood and emotional tone.
FieldAI is exploring how robots can support parking operations across complex terrain and unpredictable weather via a collaboration with Disney Experiences Technology and Walt Disney Imagineering R&D,
Additionally, Walt Disney Imagineering R&D is working with FieldAI to explore how advanced situational awareness and navigation capabilities could inform the development of character-based robotic experiences in Disney parks.
During the demo day, Physical Intelligence highlighted advancements in general-purpose robotics and embodied AI.
Partnering with Walt Disney Imagineering, the company is working on adaptable robotic systems that could help with repetitive backstage tasks.
Finally, Simile shared how it is collaborating with Disney Experiences to simplify the planning journey for guests via advanced analytics and decision-support tools.
“This year’s cohort brought advanced domain expertise, but even more importantly, grounded every conversation with a clear point of view on how these technologies can work responsibly for people,” said Bonnie Rosen, general manager of the Disney Accelerator.
"It’s been a privilege to help these collaborations take shape, opening real paths for these technologies to address meaningful operational priorities across our businesses, enable seamless guest experiences, and serve creativity."
