ABSG as the Global Exclusive Lead Partner to co-present the 2025 Global Sport Innovation Challenge – Al & Robotics powered by the ThinkSport
ThinkSport, a non-profit organization established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Canton of Vaud, is recognized as the "Center of Excellence" in sports technology innovation. As a pioneer in the global sports tech arena, ThinkSport maintains close collaborations with the IOC and various international sports federations. Through a variety of events, workshops, and summits, ThinkSport provides a premier platform for professionals in the sports industry to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore collaborations.
Lausanne, Switzerland, the heart of global sports innovation, hosts ThinkSport's annual flagship event—THE SPOT summit. In 2024, AquaBloom International Sports Technology Group (hereinafter referred to as "ABSG") participated in this global summit as the Asia’s innovation platform representative. Mr. Mike Yang, Founder and CEO of ABSG, engaged in in-depth discussions and shared insights with global innovation platform leaders, showcasing strong strength and unlimited potential of Asia in the field of sports technology and innovation.
On May 13, 2025, THE SPOT summit will once again take center stage. To further drive innovation in the global sports industry, foster the growth of startups, accelerate the integration of technology and sports, and address the pain points of various industry stakeholders, ThinkSport has officially launched the 2025 Global Sport Innovation Challenge - Al & Robotics, the highest-level and most influential sports innovation challenge in the world. ABSG is very honored to work with ThinkSport as the Global Exclusive Lead Partner of the Sport Innovation Challenge, fully supporting this historic initiative for the innovative development of the world's SportsTech industry. The final of the Innovation Challenge will be held at THE SPOT summit 2025!
This marks the first time in ThinkSport's history that a global challenge is being organized in collaboration with an Asian partner, and ABSG is delighted to be highly recognized by this important platform as part of this seminal moment. This partnership not only signifies the rise of Asia's sports technology capabilities but also symbolizes the deep integration and collaborative development of global sports innovation resources. Mr. Mike Yang, Founder and CEO of ABSG, is also invited to serve as one of the five core juries of this Sport Innovation Challenge.
Innovation Challenge Theme: AI & Robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics are rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and the sports sector is no exception. From intelligent training systems to data analytics platforms, from automated refereeing to virtual reality viewing experiences, the applications of AI and robotics are bringing unprecedented changes to the sports industry.
The integration of AI, Robotics and sports is opening up new possibilities for the industry. As technology continues to advance, sports will no longer be just an arena for human physical competition but will also become a frontier for technological innovation.
If your company/project is in one of the following fields, we welcome your application:
1.Athlete Performance and Injury Prevention
- Solutions using AI or robotics to enhance athlete training, optimize performance, or prevent injuries.
2.Smart Coaching and Analytics
- Tools providing data-driven coaching, advanced player analysis, or real-time strategy adjustments.
3.Event Management, Fan Engagement & Media
- Innovations enhancing fan experiences, crowd management, or event operations through AI and robotic technologies.
4.Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Solutions
- AI-driven tools or robotic devices enabling greater inclusivity and accessibility in sports for all.
5.Autonomous Systems in Sport
- Robotics applications in refereeing, training simulations, or automated field and equipment maintenance.
6.Sports Equipment
- Development of AI-integrated or robotic sports gear (e.g., smart rackets, balls, or wearable tech) to optimize performance, track metrics, and enhance user experiences.
Witness the Top Disruptors in Sport
This 2025 Global Sport Innovation Challenge - Al & Robotics will bring together the world's most cutting-edge sports tech startups to compete for this historic honor. The event will be divided into the following stages:
- A panel of experienced global industry experts from around the world will review all project applications to ensure that every innovative idea/project receives a fair evaluation.
- Semi-final: The top 20 companies/projects will be invited to participate in the semi-finals (online or hybrid) in Hong Kong/Switzerland/globally to showcase their innovative solutions.
- The Final: The top 5 companies from the semi-finals will be invited to Lausanne, Switzerland, to compete on the stage of THE SPOT summit for the top three honors and benefits.
High Value Benefits and Incentives:
- Global Exposure: The selected projects will receive global exposure and attract attention and potential cooperation opportunities from the IOC, major international sports organizations, investment institutions and the media. Winning project representatives will also have the speaking opportunity at a panel at THE SPOT summit.
- Resource Networking: Connect with the world's top sports technology experts, investors and industry leaders to gain valuable resources and support; There are also potential cooperation opportunities with international sports federations such as FIFA, FIBA and FEI, etc.
- Funding Prizes: Winning projects will have the chance to receive financial support to further their development. Among them, the first will receive 10,000 CHF (cash or in-kind); The second and third place finishers received 6,000 CHF 4,000 CHF (cash or in-kind) respectively.
- Unique and High-value benefits from ABSG's globalization platform and its subsidiaries and organizations in 5 major areas (to be announced later)
- Unique and High-value benefits provided by various supporting partners (to be announced later)
Key Deadlines/Dates:
1.Project Registration Deadline: March 10, 2025
2.Project Selection Notification: March 25, 2025
3.Semi-finals (Online or Hybrid): April 9, 2025
4.Finalists announcement: April 11, 202
5.Finals (Live in Switzerland): May 13, 2025
- Apply here: https://innovation-thinksport.agorize.com/en/challenges/challenge-on-ai-robotics
As the Global Exclusive Lead Partner, ABSG aims to jointly contribute to the progress of global sports technology and innovation through this event, and promote the deep integration of Asian and global sports technology resources. We look forward to achieving this together with global sports technology pioneers!
We also sincerely invite sponsors, media and supporting partners in various fields to contact us to discuss this world-class cooperation opportunity and work together to promote the excellent development of global sports technology innovation.
Contact: Mr. Rui Zhang (Global Sports AI and Robot Innovation Challenge 2025 Project Director of ABSG)
- Email: rzhang@absportgroup.com
