Earlier this month, THE SPOT 2025 brought together leaders, thinkers, and changemakers from across the global sport and innovation ecosystem at the iconic Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Among the standout highlights were the live finals of the Sport Innovation Challenges (SIC)—a flagship initiative led by ThinkSport, and delivered this year in close collaboration with AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group and Anthropy Partners.
The atmosphere was electric as ten startup finalists stepped onto the stage, each ready to share their vision for the future of sport. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these ventures had just three minutes to pitch bold, tech-driven solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in sport today.
AI & Robotics in Sport: Redefining Intelligence and Inclusion
The first challenge, AI & Robotics in Sport, asked a timely question: how can technology help sport evolve—on and off the field? The finalists responded with a range of solutions touching on athlete performance, operational efficiency, accessibility, and fan experience.
After an engaging round of pitches and discussion, the jury selected the following winners:
- Winner – PluggableAI stood out with its real-time fan engagement analytics tool. Using embedded AI technology, the solution captures audience emotions and attention levels—giving sponsors and rights holders deeper insight into impact and reach.
- Second Place – SoftSocket offered a transformative approach to adaptive sport. Their 3D-printed prosthetic socket is lightweight, comfortable, and designed for active users—expanding access to sport for people with limb differences worldwide.
- Third Place – CONTRA‘s PadelPulse uses sensor-driven data and AI to enhance performance, coaching, and community engagement in one of the fastest-growing global sports.
With the support of AquaBloom Group, winners from this challenge will benefit from tailored rewards—including networking opportunities, mentorship, and strategic introductions to help scale their impact.
The Future of Play: Designing Joyful, Inclusive Movement
The second challenge, The Future of Play, took a broader lens—exploring how play, creativity, and connection can reshape how people engage with movement and physical activity in their everyday lives.
After a highly engaging round of pitches, the jury recognised the following standout concepts:
- Winner – Presage Technologies blended immersive tech, art, and physicality to reimagine how people experience space. Their interactive installations invite movement and exploration, unlocking new ways to engage diverse audiences in active play.
- Second Place – Equip Sport addressed inclusivity head-on with a platform that facilitates the sharing of adaptive sports equipment—removing financial and logistical barriers to access.
- Third Place – MoveAhead a movement analytics platform turning passive screen time into personalised play, helping kids build movement competence and confidence.
On top of the cash prizes, all 5 semi-finalist startups will benefit from 1-on-1 executive coaching by Anthropy Partners, helping them scale their business.
Now in its second edition, the Sport Innovation Challenges have quickly become a recognised launchpad for startups at the intersection of sport, tech, and social impact. The initiative reflects ThinkSport’s broader mission to drive cross-sector collaboration and accelerate ideas that can meaningfully advance the role of sport in society.
ThinkSport extends our sincere thanks to the participating startups for their bold thinking, to our expert jury for their insight and thoughtful evaluation, and to our partners for their continued belief in the power of innovation with purpose.
Want to learn more about them all?
Find out more about the 20 semi-finalist start-ups in the links below: