Sportstech entrepreneurs will tap into domain expertise and global connections in a unique Pre-Accelerator Program equipping early-stage startups with world-class knowledge and networks to launch their technology-based product idea for application in sport.
The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) – an industry-led Australian ecosystem of organisations with a vested interest in sports technology development – has opened up submissions for its latest online Pre-Accelerator Program. The ten-week ‘Business of Sport’ program will support sportstech entrepreneurs, athletes and researchers to validate their on or off-field sportstech business idea against competitors, vendors and venture capitalists.
ASTN has partnered with the Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC) powered by Microsoft to deliver the Program as part of ASTN’s wider commitment to strengthen the reach, international standing and reputation of the Australian sportstech startup ecosystem.
Suitable applicants from Victoria and Queensland will have priority access to this program, supported by LaunchVic and Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport but applications from interstate-based entrepreneurs are also welcome to apply.
Dr. Martin Schlegel, Director and Board Member, ASTN says the Pre-Accelerator Program, has demonstrated to save sportstech entrepreneurs time, reduce effort and open access to further pathways.
“This is one of the very few industry-specific programs offering best-practice, world-class content developed with educators and practitioners in Silicon Valley. We encourage startup entrepreneurs, athletes and founders who have a technology-based idea and are considering establishing a business to apply.”
In addition to the capability uplift opportunities and network connections, graduates of the ASTN-GSIC Pre-Accelerator Program will be extended a one-year ASTN membership and can have their business listed in the ASTN Sportstech Directory. Participants can also become eligible to apply for the follow on ASTN programs.
“Traditionally, Australian-born sports technology has focused on ‘on-the-field’ human performance technologies. ‘The Business of Sport’ attempts to widen the eligibility to include fitness, wellness and health,” said Dr Schlegel.
“At ASTN we believe that sport is an application rather than a sector and we encourage startups that explore technology applications – from software/apps and machine learning to robotics, virtual reality and big data analytics – to make the most of this program.”
Dr. Schlegel said that through ASTN’s experience with its long standing Startup Accelerator Program, some applicants were found to be lacking in the area of customer discovery, market & competitor analysis and business model evaluation.
“The Business of Sport Pre-Accelerator Program aims to address that gap by equipping startup entrepreneurs and founders with the knowledge they need to drive innovation and new business opportunities,” added Dr Schlegel.
The program is a ten-week cohort-based Pre-Accelerator educational program consisting of six modules. Two sessions will be conducted each week for a total of 20 sessions.
The Business of Sport’ Pre-Accelerator Program also focuses on:
- Providing participants with the opportunity to ‘learn from the best’ by participating in interactive Q&A sessions with founders and leaders of leading international and Australian sports businesses who have ‘been there – done that’.
- Introducing participants to the notion of sport as a validation platform with a view to identify opportunities to expand or exit into other verticals.
- Providing participants with access to mentor interaction throughout the program and beyond to support best practice to business and innovation.
- Connecting participants with local partners for recruitment and cross pollination in order to prepare the next generation of founders and tech entrepreneurs.
This Pre-Accelerator is Cohort 3 of 4 Cohorts to be conducted in the period 27 September – 8 December 2022. Applications are now open and final, last-minute applications are accepted until 29 September 2021.
For more information and to access the ASTN-GSIC Pre-Accelerator Application Form please visit https://astn.com.au/pre-accelerator/.
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