(PRESS RELEASE) Qatar is leading the world in SportsTech innovation
Doha, 3 October 2018 – Qatar Development Bank is proud to announce the first-ever SportsTech accelerator, inviting the world’s most promising technology startups to join the mission of revolutionizing the sports industry. The accelerator is now accepting applications. The accelerator will commence in Doha in February 2019.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) is keen on bringing together the best local, regional and international expertise to cultivate entrepreneurship, innovation and new technologies for the sports industry. “Opening up the QDB Network has huge benefits for startups”, according to Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO for QDB. “Combining the entrepreneurial mindset and skills with our global distribution of power paves the way for greatness.” Startupbootcamp–with a decade of experience in successfully accelerating startups around the world–will facilitate the entire program. Koen Bosma, Director of the SportsTech Accelerator: “This program is going to be massive. We will be recruiting the best SportsTech startups worldwide and provide them with an unparalleled platform to showcase their solutions. Together with our strong partners, we aim to turn entrepreneurial ambitions into successful companies”.
A golden opportunity: the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Not only will this be a global showcase for Qatar in terms of sports, but also in terms of the ability to organize such a tremendous event. What better catalyst than this to push the boundaries of sports innovation and create a thriving hub of global startups and entrepreneurs exploring new sports-related technologies! Therefore, QDB has teamed up with Startupbootcamp to create the SportsTech accelerator, the leading program and centre point of activity for sports innovation in the region.
Over the next three years, the SportsTech accelerator will host a total of four 3-month accelerators, from the Aspire complex in Doha. For each program, the 10 most promising SportsTech startups from around the world will be selected.
Startups can propose new technology solutions for the sports industry in the following areas: Team performance and analytics, venue optimisation & management, sports tourism, sports culture, sports IoT, wearables and equipment, fan engagement and experience, sports medical, and VR, AR and e-sports.
Besides attracting international startups to Doha, the accelerator will bring a lot of value to Qatari startups, both now and in the future. It will encourage Qatari entrepreneurs to enter accelerators around the world, help them to scale their business and support them in finding mentors and building partnerships. With the support of partners like Aspire and the global reach of mentors and partners in the Startupbootcamp ecosystem, Qatar SportsTech offers a wealth of resources to further develop the startup ecosystem in Doha. The intensive accelerator program allows entrepreneurs to focus purely on product and business development and brings them in direct contact with mentors, potential customers and investors.
The program is open to applications from October 3 to December 15. Startups can apply here: https://www.f6s.com/sbcqatarsportstech2019/apply/
Find out more about the program and how to get involved: https://qatarsportstech.com
The post (PRESS RELEASE) Qatar is leading the world in SportsTech innovation appeared first on Startupbootcamp.