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Startup Award

Join SportsInnovation 2026 – apply now for the Startup Award!

The Startup Award is part of SportsInnovation 2026 and is aimed at young, innovative, and disruptive startups in the fields of sports, media, and technology.

Participating startups will have the opportunity to present their solutions to SportsInnovation, its partners, and its attendees. In addition, the award provides access to valuable connections with investors, clubs, federations, and key decision-makers from the sports and media industry.

The winning startup will receive a cash prize of €5,000 and a SportsPro media package worth €29,000.

 

Register here!

 

Presented by:

D.SPORTS
DFL
Transform Sports
SportsPro

Application process


Application

Startups can apply for the Startup Award until 15 January 2026 . Applications are submitted via the application form, in which relevant information about the company is provided and a pitch deck is uploaded.


Preselection

Once the application has been submitted, our strategic partner Transform Sports works with an advisory board to make a shortlist. The three best-rated projects are selected as finalists and then announced.


Final at the SI 26

The finalists will be invited to present their projects live in person at SportsInnovation 2026 on 4-5 March.

Application deadline
Key Benefits

Branding & activation

Presentation of all participating start-ups and their logos in all official communication channels

Inclusion of the logo in the official innovation report

Placement of the logo on the event website


Exhibition

Special area for start-ups at SportsInnovation


Networking & lead generation

Exclusive invitation to the SportsInnovation kick-off event for start-ups

Unlimited access to the event's networking app and participants

Two tickets for the SI26

Participation fee: €2,750 (plus VAT)
Register here!
Startup Award Prize
  • Prominent presence at SportsInnovation 2026
  • Contact with key decision-makers at the DFL and its partners from sport and the media
  • Free startup networking with the German-speaking market, provided by Transform Sports
  • £25,000 media value from SportsPro, including content & thought leadership, brand exposure and attendance at a selected SportsPro event
  • Financial award in the amount of €5,000
  • To be eligible, start-ups must fulfil the following criteria.
  • The product or solution is aimed at sports organisations in the areas of fan experience, stadium technology, broadcasting, content or sports performance
  • A functional and validated minimum viable product (MVP) is available
  • A dedicated team with international goals - applications from all over the world are welcome
  • Physical participation in the final on 4 and 5 March 2026 in Düsseldorf is required
Requirements

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STARTUP AWARD?

If you have any questions about the Award or SportsInnovation, please contact us using the contact form.

Participating Startups
Bearmind
DEINS
Deeptimize
Playback
Sorama