ThinkSport, together with AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group (ABSG), a leading global SportsTech platform based in Asia, is proud to launch the Sport Innovation Challenge 2026: AI & Robotics.
As Global Exclusive Lead Partner, ABSG joins ThinkSport in calling on startups worldwide, from PoC to MVP stage, to bring forward disruptive technologies that have the potential to inspire, challenge and reshape the global sports industry. The Challenge focuses on innovative applications of artificial intelligence and robotics, including but not limited to performance, health, operations, engagement and access to sport.
The semi-finals will take place in late March in a hybrid format. The online session will be run by ThinkSport from Switzerland enabling an international audience to attend. The onsite part will be held at Beijing Shougang Park, one of the venues of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and now a hub for technology and innovation in China. Co-hosting with Beijing Shougang Fund, the semi-finals will adopt a hybrid pitch format to select five finalists from a pool of 20 global semi-finalists.
The finals will take place on 5 May 2026 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, offering selected startups exceptional visibility within the international sports ecosystem. Finalists will present in front of the IOC, International Federations and key industry stakeholders, competing for prizes of up to CHF 10,000, strategic partnerships and long-term collaboration opportunities.
New for 2026, five of the twenty semi-finalists will also be selected to join Tech4Sport, a 7-week acceleration programme delivered at the heart of the Olympic Capital, designed to support startups in scaling their solutions and connecting directly with sport’s decision-makers.
In addition, these outstanding participating companies will gain access to ABSG’s ecosystem and ThinkSport’s through THE SPOT, as well as the partnership opportunities with ABSG’s Premier assets to support their global expansion. Winners will also receive investment matching services to effectively accelerate their growth.
If your startup is developing technologies with the ambition to impact sport worldwide and inspire leading sports organisations, ThinkSport and AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group (ABSG) want to hear from you.
Applications are now open until March 1 2026, here.