Sports Technology

The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) will be giving away prizes valued at more than $20,000 to leading sports technology innovators in its 2nd annual investment pitching competition.

The Sports Technologies Investment Pitching Competition is designed to uncover new sports technologies and assist sports entrepreneurs to commercialise ideas, early stage projects and start-up businesses.

ASTN Executive Director Craig Hill explains "the ASTN was established to improve the success of organisations and entrepreneurs involved in sports technologies development.

"We have a great global reputation in sports performance, science and coaching at the elite level, but this expertise hasn't necessarily translated into successful Australian sports technology businesses.

"The investment pitching competition is one of the ASTN's initiatives that provide sports entrepreneurs with a stronger pathway to success.

"This includes offering education, a connection directly with commercialisation and investment experts, and linkages to organisations in the sports industry that can help entrepreneurs realise their dreams."

Sports technologies can include everything from innovations in apparel, footwear, protective wear and equipment through to wearable devices, data/video analytics, nutrition products and online/mobile solutions.

This year's competition is sponsored by the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Sports Technology Ventures and the ASTN.

Prizes will be awarded to the two entries with the most commercial potential, and will include:

Winner
$10,000 cash
12-months advice and mentoring to assist in commercialising their project
1-day Sports Technology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (15th October)

Runners-up
$5,000 cash
12-months advice and mentoring to assist in commercialising their project
1-day Sports Technology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (15th October)

Hill adds "we had 23 entries to our inaugural competition last year which was a fantastic response given the ASTN was only launched in late April 2012.

"Given the relationships we have developed across the sports industry over the past 12 month we could well get more than 50 entries this year

The best eight submissions receive investment pitching education to help them prepare for their eight minute pitches to the ASTN's expert judging panel.

As a reward they will also be invited to the member-only Sports Tech Entrepreneurship Bootcamp on 15th October in Melbourne.

This Bootcamp will provide entrepreneurs with a unique education experience on how to successful commercialise sports technologies.

Hill believes "the competition will be a breeding-ground for sports tech innovators and entrepreneurs in years to come.

"It provides a unique pathway for budding entrepreneurs to commercialise their early-stage projects via education, investor networks and the sports industry that the ASTN can provide access to."

Entries close 5pm Friday 6th September, with the winner presenting at the ASTN Annual Conference in Melbourne on 14th October.

All competition details are available at www.astn.com.au

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