Announcing the Canadian Sports-Tech Accelerator
The Canadian Sports-Tech Accelerator cohort was made up of 15 companies from across the sports-tech and infrastructure sector, which provide innovative sports-tech solutions in attending ("Go"), watching ("Watch"), or participating in sport events ("Play"). Each company brought a unique and original vision into a discussion around sports and technology while in turn they were provided with innovative suggestions and solutions to further their success.
In order to thoroughly support each company, Sports Innovation Lab executed a six week Bootcamp Program for all 15 companies that was structured around three two-week sessions. Each sprint session kicked off with a two hour Bootcamp Webinar that presented research and the tech ecosystem in the US West region, focused specifically on either the “Go”, “Watch”, or “Play” segment. Additionally, each company received a one hour strategy session and custom research on their specific competitive landscape from the team at Sports Innovation Lab.
Over 25 companies applied to be a part of the accelerator program, however only 15 were granted participation. As mentioned above, each company fell under the “Go”, “Watch”, or “Play” segment, with five participants in each group. The companies that made up the “Go” sprint were Mapsted, BIG Digital, Fanorama Social Media Corporation, Imperial Sign Corporation, and DBA Float4. The “Watch” group included Mantis XR, Cinco, TradableBits Media, Novom Interactive, and Mobii Systems North America, and the “Play” segment included SkillShark Software, HeadSet Sports, Apex Skating, Avrij Analytics, and Streamline Athletes. Each represented a varying emerging idea revolving around the experience of attending a venue, consuming the sport via media, or physically playing the sport.
These Canadian companies have been provided with an incredibly unique opportunity to break into the thriving ecosystem that is the sports-tech industry in the Western United States. And through this opportunity companies gained the framework, tools, and information they will need to build a brand for themselves within the industry. Just as important was the networking opportunity that emerged from this experience, where like-minded individuals and companies exchanged ideas, learned best practices, and formed new partnerships. We are thrilled to have provided this accelerator in collaboration with the Consulate General of LA and the Los Angeles Sports Council and partnered with companies who are looking to break barriers in an emerging industry primed with unmatched potential.