What happens when artificial intelligence meets real-world sport challenges? The result is a wave of smart, scalable solutions reshaping everything from athlete performance to event operations. That momentum takes the spotlight at this year’s AI & Robotics Challenge, powered by ThinkSport in partnership with Aquabloom International Sports Technology Group.
From improving mental fitness with neurofeedback, to automating fan engagement and streamlining youth sports logistics, the 20 semi-finalists selected are pushing the boundaries of what technology can do for sport. These startups aren’t just pitching ideas—they’re delivering applied innovation with cross-sport potential and global relevance.
The Semi-Final on 9 April 2025, open to the public via this link will narrow down the field to the best 5, and on 13 May, they’ll pitch live at THE SPOT 2025 in Lausanne, offering a first-hand look at the breakthroughs driving sport’s next chapter. Whether you’re a VC or Innovation Manager exploring new partnerships, seeking competitive edges, or simply tracking what’s next, this is where new ideas meet real impact.
Meet the semi-finalists:
🔗 HITAI – Real-time AI performance insights and engaging content for combat sports.
🔗 CONTRA – Creating the future of connected racquet sports with intelligent racquet tech.
🔗 Providential Media – AI-driven fan engagement and interactive video content.
🔗 Coordle – Simplifying youth sports travel and logistics through centralized coordination.
🔗 PickEat – AI-powered event F&B platform optimizing operations and enhancing fan experience.
🔗 The Gaia Platform – AI-based guest management platform delivering seamless fan experiences.
🔗 PluggableAI_BrunoFernandes – Measuring real-time fan emotional connections using non-intrusive sensors.
🔗 Sports Vision – Smart, searchable video content powered by LLM tech for fans and teams.
🔗 Reset Reload – Online performance coaching platform preventing burnout and boosting resilience in esports.
🔗 Undae Science – AI-enhanced sleep management for elite athletes using innovative sensor tech.
🔗 Wally – Inclusive sports wheelchairs made from recyclable plastic, reducing cost 20x.
🔗 Jubatus | the future of video – Custom, democratic video content creation for sports event participants.
🔗 ROBONNEMENT AG – Robotics-as-a-Service for SMEs streamlining operations with automation.
🔗 Redefining Mental Performance – Neurofeedback tool measuring and training athlete mental performance.
🔗 SoftSocket x ThinkSport – Revolutionizing active-user prosthetics with lightweight, self-adjustable sockets.
🔗 Deep Scouting x THE SPOT (AI) – Football analytics made accessible for youth and semi-pro clubs.
🔗 Dartle 2 – Smart football academy analytics to improve player performance and stakeholder experience.
🔗 Ironmind.ai – Dual-platform AI for mental fitness: real-time data + predictive insights.
🔗 CrowdSports – A fan-powered club funding platform with financial rewards and engagement.
🔗 WeavAir – AI sensors for smarter event management, enhancing security, air quality, and crowd control.
Want to see the 5 finalists pitch live?
Join us on 13 May at THE SPOT in Lausanne — where sport, tech, and innovation collide. Investors, tech enthusiasts, sport leaders: this is where you’ll meet the startups defining the next chapter of global sport.
📅 Save the date. 13 May 2025 @ The Olympic Museum in Lausanne