Thinksport Innovation

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Welcome to the FEI Gen-next Sport Innovation Challenge 2026 for the chance to make a real difference!

As part of ThinkSport's Sport Innovation Challenges, the Gen-next Challenge is designed to inspire and engage participants from bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs by giving them the opportunity to tackle real-world problems faced by the sports industry.

In its 7th edition, the challenge is run by ThinkSport in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport.

Student teams research, develop, and pitch innovative solutions to two real problems FEI is actively working to solve. The best teams advance to an on-site final event (with the possibility to be done online) in December 2026.

We believe that the talent, creativity, and fresh perspectives of the next generation can help move sport forward. By joining the FEI Gen-next Challenge 2026, universities give their students the opportunity to work on concrete sport innovation topics, connect academic learning with real industry needs, and contribute with ideas that can support the future of equestrian sport.

Ready to take part? Register your university and give your students the opportunity to work on real innovation challenges with FEI.

Choose from 2 Categories

Topic 1

Make equestrian sport instantly understandable for new fans

How can equestrian sport become easier to understand for first-time viewers?
Teams will design a simple visual solution that helps new audiences quickly understand what is happening, why it matters, and what to watch.

You can have access to more details on the page "Categories".

Topic 2

How can technology support more consistent and transparent flag judgements in Eventing cross-country?

How can technology support officials in close and complex flag judgement situations?
Teams will explore decision-support solutions that can improve consistency, transparency, and confidence in the review process.

You can have access to more details on the page "Categories".

Timeline

Registration Phase for Universities

1 June 2026 - 31 August 2026

Participation confirmation for Academic partners and promotion of their institution.

•••

Registration Phase for Students

1 September 2026 - 31 September 2026

Students register their teams on Agorize.

•••

Kick-off Event

15 September 2026

Introduction to the organisers and the FEI Gen-next Sport Innovation Challenge, including the challenge objectives, innovation topics, timeline, participation rules, deliverables, and next steps for teams.

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Workshop & Mentoring Phase

21 September 2026 - 5 October 2026

Prepare your project and take part in workshops and sessions with your dedicated coach.

WORKSHOP #1 - TBC | TBC CEST

FEI Deep Dive Topic #1 - Gather further insights to fuel your project

WORKSHOP #2 - TBC | TBC CEST

FEI Deep Dive Topic #2 - Gather further insights to fuel your project

•••

Local Selection Phase

09 November 2026 - 15 November 2026

*Flexible according to the university's schedule

Live presentation in front of the dedicated professor, who will shortlist the top project of each university.

One team per challenge is selected for the Final Pitching Day.

•••

Final Preparation Phase

16 November 2026 - 20 November 2026

Prepare your final presentation deck and prototype to showcase in front of the jury.

You can still contact your dedicated coach to finalise your project.

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Final Pitching Day

27 November 2026

The top finalist will be chosen to pitch in front of a jury at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne.

5’ pitch presentation per group (live or online)

5’ Q&A (live or online)

•••

Testing Phase (TBC)

2027

Final Pitching Day

At the final event in December 2026, selected finalist teams will be invited to pitch their solutions to an expert judging panel composed of key representatives from FEI and the sport innovation ecosystem.

This final stage will give students the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, present their work in a professional setting, and show how their solutions could help make equestrian sport more accessible, transparent, and engaging for future audiences.

Get ready to pitch your ideas and help shape the future of equestrian sport!