Applications are now open for the mid-year intake of AO StartUps – Tennis Australia’s pioneering program that enables startup companies to pilot their cutting-edge technology during the Australian summer of tennis and within Tennis Australia’s business.
More than 20 companies have joined AO StartUps since its inception, providing Tennis Australia with a range of innovative new technology to pilot across verticals including participation, performance, broadcast, digital, event operations and the fan experience.
“We are again scouring the globe to uncover innovative approaches from the startup community that can really change the game,” said Tennis Australia Head of Innovation Dr Machar Reid.
“Our ongoing mission is to uncover the best ideas across early-stage sport tech companies and provide an incredible opportunity for them to be part of the biggest global sports and entertainment event in January.
“The mid-year intake is designed to provide an extended runway for founders to work closely with our business and craft a pilot that enhances the player, fan or wider sport and help accelerate their company’s trajectory toward the world stage.”
Previous companies to have joined AO StartUps include BatFast, 1080 Motion, Pendular, CAMB.AI, Prism Neuro, UDU, Trickshot, DVOX, Stringr, Straffr, Circular, PAM, Raven, Cape Bionics, equidi, Calyx, MATCHi, and YBVR/XTADIUM.
The sport and entertainment verticals of most interest in this intake include health and wellness, sustainability, Padel tennis and the fan experience.
Early-stage tech companies have until 24 May 2024 to apply.
Visit aostartups.ausopen.com to learn more and submit an application.
About AO StartUps
AO StartUps is part of the Tennis Australia innovation and venture capital strategy which enables early-stage companies pilot their cutting-edge technology at the AO and within other areas of Tennis Australia’s business.
Companies participating in AO StartUps are provided the opportunity to prove their business models in real time and directly access proprietary intel and exposure at one of the world’s largest sport and entertainment events. It has been designed to extract maximum value for the startup, streamline corporate processes that can often stifle innovating at speed, and provide an opportunity for investment via Tennis Australia’s venture capital fund, Wildcard Ventures.
The creation of AO StartUps follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund, Wildcard Ventures, and its multi-year partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars.
Visit aostartups.ausopen.com to learn more.