Sportstech, an initiative of the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), the governing body for sports technology and innovation, in partnership with the Global Sports Innovation Center, has announced that its ‘Business of Sport’ pre-Accelerator program is reopening its doors for applications for its 2022 run.
Entrepreneurs with a passion for sports technology, with a technology-based idea and are considering establishing a business with a minimal viable product, are being invited to join the 10-week program and gain knowledge, as well as access to mentors and industry connections.10-week program.
Moreover, the program will provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to validate their on or off-field sportstech business idea against competitors, vendors and VCs.
ASTN, which provides leadership in the commercialisation, development and promotion of Australian-inspired sports technologies, launched the ‘Business of Sport’ Pre-Accelerator Program in 2021 to meet the widespread interest from applications who applied for ASTN’s other accelerator programs but who were deemed “too early”.
Victoria and Queensland applicants will be given priority access to this program but applications from interstate-based entrepreneurs are also welcome.
Dr. Martin Schlegel, Director of ASTN said that ASTN identified a need to work with tech entrepreneurs, students, researchers and practitioners to help them with all critical elements necessary to launch a successful start-up.
“We identified a gap in the area of customer discovery, market and competitor analysis, and business models so our team of industry experts – from across the startup ecosystem – work closely with successful applicants to give them the support and skills to prosper,” Dr Schlegel said.
“Our unique industry-specific program offers best-practice, world-class content and is demonstrated to save sportstech entrepreneurs time, reduce effort and open access to further pathways,” Dr Schlegel added. “Our participants learn from the very best with access to our team of experts across finance, law, marketing, market research and validation, to investment and market entry.”
In addition to the capability uplift opportunities, mentoring and valuable industry connections, graduates of the ASTN-GSIC Pre-Accelerator Program will be granted 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.
The program will consist of six modules and be delivered online over a 10-week period between 26 April and 29 June 2022. Two sessions will be conducted each week for a total of 20 sessions.
The pre-accelerator program is also supported by LaunchVic and Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport. Applications are now open for Cohort 4 and close at 5:00 pm Tuesday 5 April 2022.
