Applications are now open for the AO StartUps 2026 mid-year intake, as Tennis Australia and the Australian Open invite startups to collaborate on technologies redefining the future of sport.
Designed to accelerate practical innovation, AO StartUps connects early-stage technology companies with one of the world’s most progressive sporting organisations, offering a pathway from idea to real world impact on a global stage.
“AO StartUps exists to turn bold thinking into tangible outcomes,” Tennis Australia Director of Innovation Dr Machar Reid said.
“We work closely with founders who are building solutions that can scale, integrate and genuinely enhance both how our sport evolves and how our major events are delivered and experienced.”
For this intake, AO StartUps is seeking technologies across four core areas:
- Robotics — automation and robotic systems that enhance event operations, athlete support, venue management or on-court performance
- Padel tennis — solutions that enable growth, participation, performance and engagement within one of the world’s fastest growing sports
- Community sport digital infrastructure — platforms and tools that strengthen grassroots sport, clubs, competitions and local ecosystems
- Live event technology (content and AI) — innovations in content creation, distribution and AI-driven experiences for fans and broadcasters.
The mid-year intake is structured to give startups an extended collaboration period with Tennis Australia’s Innovation team, enabling founders to co-design, test and refine pilots in the lead up to AO 2027.
The program’s most recent cohort featured nine new companies — VueMotion, Bettercup, CRED, Bronco, truefuels, National Pickleball League, Aircast, RootNote and Outcoach — highlighting AO StartUps’ continued commitment to shaping the future of sport.
Early-stage technology companies from Australia and around the world are encouraged to apply.
Applications for the AO StartUps 2026 mid year intake close 11 May 2026.
To learn more and apply, visit aostartups.ausopen.com.
About AO StartUps
AO StartUps is the latest step in Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy which helps startup companies pilot their cutting-edge technology at the AO and 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 funds, AO Ventures and Wildcard Ventures.