#Portugal #Lisbon #IBM Sports #LivXP #AI Sports Tech

IBM Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge 2026

This year, Web Summit Lisbon played host to a significant announcement from IBM that marked a pivotal moment in sports technology. LivXP, a dynamic player in the realm of sports engagement through artificial intelligence, emerged as the winner of the esteemed IBM Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge. This accolade highlights a commitment to fostering innovation that empowers fans and enhances their experiences with their favorite sports teams.

A Transformative Initiative

The IBM Sports Tech Startup Challenge represents a year-long global initiative aimed at identifying startups that are creating technologies ready for enterprise deployment in the sports sector. Since its inception at the 2025 Web Summit, this obstacle has seen participation from founders worldwide, who showcased their cutting-edge solutions in various high-profile events across global cities like Vancouver and Rio de Janeiro.

The prize challenge featured an invite-only finale where seven finalists, selected from a broad spectrum of sports tech innovators, presented their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The panel included esteemed figures such as Sarah Meron, IBM's Chief Communications and Brand Officer, and Marc Gené, ambassador for Scuderia Ferrari HP.

Engaging Fans Like Never Before

LivXP was recognized for its AI-driven impulse commerce infrastructure that reshapes how fans interact with sports teams, leagues, and organizations. The company, which operates from both Switzerland and the U.S., provides a white-label platform that allows for engaging fan experiences and sponsorship activations that hit emotional peaks right when they matter most.

Its application spans globally, with sports organizations and college programs utilizing LivXP's innovative approach to reach fans across 150 countries. Ashima Saxena, CEO and Co-Founder of LivXP, expressed significant optimism upon receiving the award, stressing the potential one can capture every emotional moment in sports revenue using artificial intelligence without the need for expanding staff.

Notable Finalists

Besides LivXP, six other impressive finalists brought forward their technological innovations aimed at enriching the sports experience:

• - Fanory transformed real-time sports experiences into valuable assets through its fan intelligence platform.
• - Neuron Systems introduced a multi-agent AI solution that creates real-time commentary and insights for live sports events.
• - PressBox is committed to aiding sports teams and media organizations by streamlining content creation and marketing using AI-driven approaches.
• - NTangible provides cognitive assessments tailored for athletes, crucial for understanding performance under stress.
• - Proximity Works Inc. focuses on building real-time fan engagement systems tailored for various sectors within sports and entertainment.
• - Noiz simplifies the search for sports courts and connecting players with shared interests.

Joining Forces for Future Impact

The prize awarded not only recognizes the excellence in sports innovation but also provides resources like up to $100,000 towards a proof-of-concept project with IBM and additional IBM credits for technology services.

As IBM continues to collaborate with leading sports organizations—like Wimbledon and the US Open—through AI-powered experiences that deliver better insights and enhanced engagement, the prospects for the sports tech landscape look brighter than ever.

With the vision of incorporating useful, cutting-edge technology into the sports world, IBM Ventures remains a pivotal investor in startups that can push the envelope further, enhancing fan experiences and operational efficiencies through intelligent solutions. Exciting times lie ahead as LivXP gears up to expand its revenue capture capabilities and influence in sports, paving the way for even richer fan experiences globally.

IBM has a legacy of over 30 years partnering with iconic sports entities, reinforcing its position as a leader in this intersection of technology and athletics. As LivXP garners the spotlight and support from IBM’s innovation-driven ecosystem, the technology application possibilities seem endless.