Sports Tech Research & Innovation Summit

For universities and other research institutes, we provided the opportunity to present their newest findings in a ‘science and technology offer’ form.

Scientists and academic business developers were able to present their project outcomes, while explaining aspects as:

• the reasons for doing their research (and development);
• the project key findings and learnings;
• the advantages these findings could provide for the industry and for field practice professionals, athletes, citizens, etc.;
• the IP position (if clear);
• the future ambitions in terms of further R&D and commercialization or implementation objectives;
• the type of people, fields of expertise and funding they’re looking for; and
• their future visions on the role of academia within the sports and technology ecosystem.

Researchers studying various aspects of the sports technology and innovation domain (innovation processes, ethical or legal aspects,...), also got the chance to present their findings and discussion points.

Teams, federations, innovation hubs, among others were able to share their specific needs, challenges and broader ambitions from their respective fields, as an input for future R&D, product creation and field implementation.

A selective group of health and performance managers, medical doctors, therapists, trainers, innovation managers or other people working in the field of sports and health were be able to communicate about various aspects such as:

• their latest in-house projects and results from using or (co-)developing particular technology solutions;
• their experiences from working with research institutes, industry players, governments, etc.;
• the way they are dealing with the increasing amount of products and services available on the market;
• their current needs and wishes for which others could contact them;
• their potential role in academic or industry led innovation projects; and
• their advice to scientists, entrepreneurs, policy makers, etc. in designing new projects and solutions.

The event was not solely focused on elite sports. Amateur sports, consumer tech or physical activity and healthy living type of solutions were discussed as well, as learning opportunities arise from those types of crossroads.