01
Application phase
Challenge launch and applications open.
Events & Activity
TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme
The TECH4SPORT Accelerator Programme, powered by ThinkSport, supports promising sport-tech startups through a seven-week programme. Guided by experienced mentors and ecosystem experts, founders strengthen their business models, validate their solutions and prepare for their next growth milestone - covering strategy, product development, partnerships, fundraising and pitching, before presenting to investors and federations at the final pitch event.
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an accelerator by ThinkSport Explore the journeyProgramme journey 2026
From challenge
to investment
readiness.
Nine decisive milestones. One structured journey to turn bold sport-tech ideas into ventures ready to scale.
- Milestones
- 09
- Months
- 08
- Accelerator phases
- 03
- Selected startups
- 10
- Final pitch
- 01.09
Before the accelerator
Before startups join the TECH4SPORT Accelerator, they have to earn their spot. Each year, the Sport Innovation Challenges (SIC) for Global Issues invite sport-tech startups from around the world to compete for a place in the programme, completely free to enter. The finalists selected through this process move straight into the seven-week Accelerator, working with mentors, federations and investors to sharpen their business and get ready to pitch.
01 — The journey
Every step has a purpose.
Move from applicant to finalist, then from selected startup to a compelling investment opportunity.
Before the acceleratorChallenge & selection · Jan—May
TECH4SPORT acceleratorProgramme & final pitch · May—Sep
02
Selection phase
Applications close on March 1, followed by a two-week evaluation by business and technical experts.
03
Semi-finals pitch session
Selected teams pitch in an online and hybrid session assessed by the SIC Council.
04
Final event at THE SPOT
Finalists take the stage at THE SPOT for the programme jury evaluation.
05
Startup registration
Winning startups register for TECH4SPORT and complete their programme set-up on Agorize.
06
TECH4SPORT · Phase 1
Validate the problem statement and sharpen the target through a focused three-week online sprint.
07
TECH4SPORT · Phase 2
A one-week ecosystem immersion designed to build exclusive connections with the right partners.
08
TECH4SPORT · Phase 3
Strengthen the business case, prepare for investment and shape the final pitch in a three-week online sprint.
09
Final pitch
Present the venture online to an international audience of investors and ecosystem leaders.
02 — The outcome
Ready for the next arena.
On September 1, the journey culminates in a final online pitch to international investors — turning months of validation, connection and preparation into momentum.
01.092026
TECH4SPORT · Phase 2
On-site immersion,
one week in the ecosystem.
The people, places and ideas that shaped the immersion week. Select a day to explore it.
Kick-off at HEIG-VD
Kick-off at HEIG-VD: a keynote from Director Dr. Ana Maria Nogareda, and a talk by Iohannès Bry (SPEI).
EPFL Innovation Park
At EPFL Innovation Park: Pascal Vuilliomenet shared academic collaborations and successful sport startups.
Swiss Data Science Center, Biopôle
At the Swiss Data Science Center (Biopôle): sessions with Yohann Perron (Innovaud), Johanna Dousse and Valerio Rossetti on AI, plus mentoring with the Swiss Startup Association.
World Archery & FIBA
Visits to the World Archery Federation (with Siret Luik, plus an archery session) and FIBA, meeting Wan-Ching Cho to close the week.
ECSS Conference 2026
Bonus programme — photos from the event.
Startup pitches at MSI
Ten startup pitches spanning performance analytics, fan engagement and athlete wellness — each one built by founders who understand exactly what sport needs.
05 — In their words
What the community says.
I want to express my sincere gratitude, also on behalf of Minas, for your ongoing support in our work and the overall experience of working with you. Since joining ThinkSport we have been able to fine tune our work but also to attract further collaboration opportunities.
Participating startup
The TECH4SPORT onsite experience was highly valuable, combining focused mentoring, practical insights, and meaningful connections with industry experts and fellow innovators. It helped us sharpen our strategy and better position our solution for the sports market.
Participating startup
Brilliance from start to finish and extremely valuable for the combination of technology and sport, in the world capital and pioneer of it all.
Participating startup
Fun and educational, in the company of great people.
Participating startup
Real, proven experience and a deep dive into the sport industry and ecosystem. Valuable network and proactive management of leads. Expert understanding of trends and strategies.
Participating startup
The TECH4SPORT onsite accelerator was a valuable and practical experience that helped us refine our strategy, expand our network, and gain deeper insights into the sports innovation ecosystem.
Participating startup