
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.
Presented by:
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.
Participation fee: €2,750 (plus VAT)
Register here!
- 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
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STARTUP AWARD?
If you have any questions about the Award or SportsInnovation, please contact us using the contact form.








