Tennis Australia To Pioneer SportsTech Accelerator Alongside LaunchVic And Victoria University

Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, has partnered with Launchvic, Tennis Australia, and Victoria University to launch an accelerator focused on SportsTech in Australia.

The Techstars SportsTech Melbourne Accelerator aims to revolutionise Australian sport by asking startup companies from around the world to submit what they see as being the ‘next big idea’.

The mentorship-driven accelerator program will run for 13 weeks from March 2020 to June 2020, culminating in a Demo Day event where selected startups will pitch their accelerated business models to key investors and industry leaders.

The accelerator program will be based at Tennis Australia’s headquarters at Melbourne Park and Tennis Australia Chief Executive, Craig Tiley, said: “Strategically for some years, Tennis Australia has placed great emphasis on internal capability and the ability to pivot quickly to ensure we continue to grow the sport and our events.

“This is an obvious next step as we look to drive more innovation and interest in the game for the benefit of those watching and playing it at every level.”

Techstars, LaunchVic and Victoria University are equally excited about the new program, with Techstars Vice President – Asia Pacific, Will Robinson adding: “Partnering with LaunchVic, Tennis Australia and Victoria University, we are poised to deliver an invaluable program to entrepreneurs transforming the world of SportsTech.”

Victoria University Associate Professor of Sports Analytics, Sam Roberston, concluded: “This initiative has the potential to transform the sports startup and technology industry in Australia.

“It connects VU, a leading sport university, with future-minded, progressive organisations such as Tennis Australia and Techstars – all in one of the world’s great sporting cities, Melbourne.”

Applications for the 2020 Techstars SportsTech Melbourne Accelerator will open in September.