TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme 2026
TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme 2026
Welcome to the TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme
The TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme powered by ThinkSport is designed to support innovative sport-related startups through mentorship, ecosystem immersion, business development opportunities, and connections with key stakeholders from the Swiss and international sport innovation ecosystem.
The mission
Dedicated to the 10 selected startups from the Sport Innovation Challenges, the programme aims to accelerate the development and validation of impactful solutions by fostering collaboration with international federations, corporates, academic institutions, innovation hubs, and industry experts within the Olympic Capital ecosystem.
Objectives
- Accelerate Startup Development
- Connect Startups with the Olympic Capital Ecosystem
- Foster Collaboration Opportunities
- Validate Solutions in Real Sport Environments
- Strengthen International Visibility
- Encourage Knowledge Sharing & Innovation
- Prepare Startups for Long-Term Growth
Who can be selected?
The programme is aimed at:
- Finalist startups from both Sport Innovation Challenges as a priority
- Selected semi-finalist startups with strong innovation potential and alignment with the programme objectives
- International startups seeking to connect with the Swiss and global sport innovation ecosystem
- Startups developing innovative solutions for the sports industry
Timeline
Phase 1 - ONLINE
15 June 2026 - 3 July 2026
Validate your problem statement and define your target
Startup Entrepreneurs will refine their:
Market positioning
Market positioning
Identify priorities
Strengthen the relevance of their solution
Strengthen the relevance of their solution
•••
Phase 2 - ONSITE (Olympic Capital - Switzerland)
6 July 2026 - 10 July 2026
Build exclusive connections within the ecosystem
Immersion within the Olympic Capital sport ecosystem through meetings, workshops, and visits with:
International sport federations
Academic and research institutions
Investors
Industry experts
Pitch presentation in front of IFs, NFs, local investors, and key stakeholders in the region
•••
Phase 3 - ONLINE
13 July 2026 - 31 July 2026
Prepare and pitch your solution
Participating founders will work on:
Business or pilot connections
Investment readiness
Final pitch preparation
•••
Showcase & Final Pitch - ONLINE
1 September 2026
Online Showcase & Final Pitch Investor Event
Showcase with an online pitch in front of local and international investors, and sport stakeholders.
July 6 - July 10 2026
Onsite Phase
One Intensive Week On-site
Location & Travel
ThinkSport Office, Synathlon, UNIL Centre, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
Metro
From Lausanne train station:
Take metro M2 towards "Épalinges" and get off at the stop "UNIL Chamberonne".
From the stop, walk around 600 meters to reach the Synathlon building
From the stop, walk around 600 meters to reach the Synathlon building
Bus
From EHL Hotel:
From EHL Hotel, take bus 2, 4, or 8 towards "EPFL" or "Lausanne Université" and get off at the stop "Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)" or an alternative stop close to it.
Alternatively, you can take bus 701 from a nearby stop towards "EPFL" and get off at the stop "Allée de Dorigny". Then, walk around 130 meters to reach the Synathlon building.
From EHL Hotel, take bus 2, 4, or 8 towards "EPFL" or "Lausanne Université" and get off at the stop "Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)" or an alternative stop close to it.
Alternatively, you can take bus 701 from a nearby stop towards "EPFL" and get off at the stop "Allée de Dorigny". Then, walk around 130 meters to reach the Synathlon building.
From Lausanne train station:
Take metro M2 towards "Épalinges" and get off at the stop "UNIL Chamberonne".
Car
Parking is available on-site, but access may be limited; it is recommended public transport whenever possible
Parking is available on-site, but access may be limited; it is recommended public transport whenever possible