The Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator has announced the selection of 10 innovative startups for its 2025 programme. Chosen from over 1,600 applicants worldwide, these companies will participate in a six-month programme designed to foster the development of technologies poised to redefine the sports industry.
The selected startups specialise in areas such as immersive fan experiences, data-driven performance analytics, personalised engagement, and next-generation broadcasting solutions. Throughout the programme, they will collaborate closely with SportsTech’s partner consortium, which includes prominent organisations like NBC Sports, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, and the University of Notre Dame. This collaboration aims to explore how emerging technologies can be integrated to enhance various facets of the sports sector.
Jenna Kurath, Vice President of Startup Partnerships and Head of Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, highlighted the programme’s focus on three distinct trends: immersive fan experiences, data-driven performance with personalised engagement, and the future of commerce in sports. She emphasised that the accelerator seeks to identify and support companies that can scale across diverse sports organisations, teams, and markets, providing solutions that address current industry challenges.
The accelerator programme commenced this week in Atlanta with sports-specific learning sessions. Participants will also engage in a combine-like experience in Philadelphia midway through the programme, providing opportunities to pilot their technologies in collaboration with SportsTech partners. This hands-on approach allows startups to refine their products in real-world settings, ensuring they meet the practical needs of the sports industry.
This marks the fifth year of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting startups that are shaping the future of sports technology. Over the years, the programme has evolved from a traditional accelerator into a comprehensive support system for companies at various stages of maturity, offering resources and mentorship to help them navigate the complexities of the sports ecosystem.
Notably, this year’s cohort includes companies that have already established significant traction in the sports sector. For instance, Satisfi Labs has expanded its client base to over 450 entities in the entertainment industry, while LiveLike has forged connections with major global sporting events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, and FIFA World Cup. Their participation in the accelerator highlights the programme’s appeal to both emerging startups and more established companies seeking to scale their innovations further.
The inclusion of international startups, such as Iceland’s Oz Sports and Ireland’s Orreco, reflects the accelerator’s global reach and its dedication to fostering a diverse range of technological solutions. These companies bring unique perspectives and innovations, contributing to the programme’s dynamic and comprehensive approach to sports technology advancement.
By facilitating collaboration between startups and industry leaders, the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports through technology, driving advancements that enhance fan engagement, athlete performance, and operational efficiency across the sports landscape.