🚀 Challenge AI & Robotics 2025

Transform sports with AI and robotics! 🚀 Showcase your innovation and compete on the global stage. Apply now!

Welcome to the Sport Innovation Challenge AI & Robotics


Is your startup BOLD enough to push past the boundaries of the status quo and drive innovation to create a brighter future?
 
created in 2015 by the International Olympic Committee and the Canton of Vaud
and
a Globalized Leading SportsTech Platform based in Asia as Global Exclusive Lead Partner
 
are jointly calling on Startups and Scaleups Worldwide to join this Startup Competition for a chance to inspire and disrupt the Sports Industry.
 
The final will be at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne Switzerland on 13 May 2025.
Win exclusive visibility with the IOC and Sports Federations, prizes including a cash of up to 10 000 CHF (cash or in-kind) and strategic partnerships.
 
Your startup /scaleup is developing disruptive technologies that can impact the sports industry worldwide and inspire the IOC and International Federations.
 
You can play a key role in one of the categories below, then ThinkSport and ABSG want to hear from you!
 

Choose from 6 categories

Athlete Performance and Injury Prevention

Solutions using AI or robotics to enhance athlete training, optimize performance, or prevent injuries.
 

Smart Coaching and Analytics

Tools providing data-driven coaching, advanced player analysis, or real-time strategy adjustments.

Event Management, Fan Engagement & Media

Innovations enhancing fan experiences, crowd management, or event operations through AI and robotic technologies.

Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Solutions

AI-driven tools or robotic devices enabling greater inclusivity and accessibility in sports for all.

Autonomous Systems in Sport

Robotics applications in refereeing, training simulations, or automated field and equipment maintenance.

Sports Equipment

Development of AI-integrated or robotic sports gear (e.g., smart rackets, balls, or wearable tech) to optimize performance, track metrics, and enhance user experiences.

 
Check out

Timeline

Application Phase
12 February 2025 - 19 March 2025
 
Register now, select your field of interest, and submit your startup pitch deck!
 
•••
 
Selection
10 March 2025 - 25 March 2025
 
The Top 20 startups will be shortlisted by our expert professionals and invited to the Semi-Final.
 
•••
 
Semi-Final
9 April 2025
 

Every applicant is evaluated based on specific criteria (impact, feasibility, sustainability, originality, creativity and presentation scores).

2’ pitch / applicant (video recorded upon application)

3’ Q&A (Live)

 
•••
 
Final Event
13 May @ THE SPOT in Lausanne
 
Top 5 finalists will be chosen to pitch in front of a jury at THE SPOT, Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

2’ pitch + 3’ Q&A (Live on stage)

Prizes

  • 1st
  • 2nd
  • 3rd

1st

The Grand Winner will win
  • 10 000 CHF (Cash or In-kind)
  • A speaking opportunity at a panel at THE SPOT
  • Develop long-term strategic partnerships with the Sport Ecosystem 

 
From THX Sports Tech - Core Supporting Partner of the challenge
  • Strategic Growth & Investment Session 60-minutes
 

2nd

The 2nd place startup will win:
  • 6 000CHF (Cash or In-kind)
  • Develop long-term strategic partnerships with the Sport Ecosystem

From THX Sports Tech - Core Supporting Partner of the challenge
  • Market Readiness & Customer Engagement Session 30-minutes

3rd

The 3rd place startup will win:
  • 4 000 CHF (Cash or In-Kind)
  • Develop long-term strategic partnerships with the Sport Ecosystem
 
From THX Sports Tech - Core Supporting Partner of the challenge, offers
  • Business Model & Operations Strategy Session 30-minutes

 

Final Event

The Final will be held on-site on 13 May at THE SPOT in Lausanne. The top 5 finalists will have an unique opportunity to pitch in front of the key decision makers of the Sport Industry, as well as a selected jury.
 
The results will then be announced at the end of the Final Event!