#Portugal #Lisbon #Sports Tech #Web Summit #IBM Sports

IBM and Web Summit: A New Era in Sports Tech

In an exciting development for the sports and technology industries, IBM and Web Summit have announced their collaboration for the Sports Tech Startup Challenge. This initiative seeks to discover transformative solutions that harness artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance various aspects of sports, including athlete performance, stadium operations, and fan engagement.

A Global Impact

This challenge is set to take place over the next 12 months and will include regional competitions in key locations: Qatar, Vancouver, and Rio de Janeiro. The overall winners from these preliminary events will gather at the global finale in Lisbon, Portugal, during the Web Summit in 2026. Organizations and startups from around the world are invited to participate, leveraging their innovative ideas to revolutionize the sports experience.

The Role of AI in Sports

AI technology has rapidly become a pivotal force in the sports arena, enabling organizations to not only optimize their operations but also enhance fan experiences in ways that were previously unimaginable. IBM has a long-standing history of collaboration with prominent sports entities such as the Masters, Wimbledon, and ESPN Fantasy Football. Now, by engaging with the startup community, IBM aims to fast-track innovation at the intersection of sports and technology.

Emily Fontaine, the Global Head of Venture Capital at IBM, stated, "With the IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge, we'll fuse that legacy with the ingenuity of some of the world's best startups to spark the next era of sports innovation and write a new playbook for AI-driven growth across the industry."

Mini-Regional Competitions

Throughout the challenge, startups will have the opportunity to pitch their enterprise-level AI solutions tailored to the sports and entertainment sector. Pitches will be assessed by a panel of industry experts, including IBM executives, prominent athletes, and leaders from various sports tech companies. Winning teams from each region will earn a place in the spotlight at Web Summit 2026, showcasing their innovations to a global audience.

Prizes and Opportunities

Winners of the Sports Tech Startup Challenge may receive an array of benefits, including a paid proof of concept valued up to $100,000, mentorship from IBM’s skilled experts in their respective fields, and potential opportunities for venture funding. This multi-faceted support is designed to accelerate growth and innovation in the sports tech landscape.

A Partnership for the Future

Kevin McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at Web Summit, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with IBM in this venture: "As one of our long-standing partners, we're delighted to enter this new phase with IBM. This partnership highlights the rapid growth of AI in sports tech, fusing the biggest growth sector in tech with the sports that captivate billions worldwide."

How to Get Involved

Startups interested in participating are encouraged to visit the dedicated Web Summit Startups portal for more information on eligibility, deadlines, and selection criteria, with specifics to be announced closer to each regional pitch event.

In conclusion, the IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge represents a remarkable opportunity for startups to reshape the future of sports through advanced technology. As AI continues to evolve, this competition not only promises to spotlight groundbreaking innovations but also aims to enhance how sports are played, watched, and experienced by fans.

For more details about the challenge, you can access the portal at Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge.