Sport Innovation Challenge 2026 – AI & Robotics: shaping the future of sport

ThinkSport, together with the AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group (ABSG), invites bold and visionary startups to apply for the Sport Innovation Challenge 2026: AI & Robotics, an international competition dedicated to transforming the sports industry through cutting-edge technologies.

Artificial intelligence and robotics are redefining athlete performance, fan engagement, event management, and inclusivity in sport. This challenge calls on startups worldwide - from PoC to MVP stage - to push the boundaries of innovation and present solutions with global impact.

Why Participate?

Finalists gain exceptional visibility among leading sports organisations, including the IOC, International Federations and key industry stakeholders. Prizes include up to CHF 10,000, strategic partnerships, and access to international acceleration and investment programs.

This year, five of the 20 semi-finalists will also be selected for the Tech4Sport 7‑week accelerator, hosted in the Olympic Capital. Participants benefit from unique opportunities to scale their solutions, tap into the ABSG and ThinkSport ecosystems, and engage directly with global sports innovation leaders.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 1 March 2026
• Semi-finals (hybrid): Late March 2026, with online pitches hosted from Switzerland and onsite sessions at Beijing Shougang Park, a landmark venue of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• Finals: 5 May 2026, Olympic Museum, Lausanne

• Athlete performance, training & injury prevention
• Smart coaching and real-time analytics
• Event operations, fan engagement & media technologies
• Adaptive and inclusive sports solutions