The launch of the inaugural Next Big Idea in Sport Competition, a contest for startups addressing emerging technologies and opportunities in sports, is the result of a recent partnership between Ryerson University, Canada’s leader in innovative career-oriented education, and Rogers Communications, a leading diversified public Canadian communications and media company that is the largest provider of Canada’s wireless communications services.
This competition will provide up to 10 startups with four months of incubation at the Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University, which is the top-ranked university incubator in Canada. They have incubated and accelerated 174 startups, which have collectively raised more than $60 million and fostered more than 1,548 jobs. The startups involved will also have the chance to win a cash prize totaling $100,00. Applications opened on February 20 and will close on May 1 at 11:59 p.m. Those interested can apply here.
Sheldon Levy, President and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University, talked about how performance revolution in sports is currently being driven by technology, big data, and analytics: “Thanks to Rogers, this competition will give young startups an outstanding opportunity to work with emerging and innovative technologies to generate creative solutions for the sports industry.”
Dale Hooper, Chief Brand Officer at Rogers Communication said that they, “want the Next Big Idea in Sport to inspire students and startups to develop new and creative solutions for athletes, coaches, teams, sport media and even professional sports leagues.”
Like, Levy, Hooper points to the fact that many people in the sports world are turning to technological and analytical innovations to gain even the slightest advantage.
The Next Big Idea in Sport Competition will try to push startups to discover new opportunities within the sports world, spanning analytics, athletic performance technologies, analysis of business management, fan engagement, consumer experiences, and social innovations. The judges for the competition will be a network of advisors and mentors led by the Canadian Football League’s 12th Commissioner, Mark Cohon, along with many senior leaders from Canada’s preeminent sports organizations, including:
- Brian Cooper, President/CEO, S&E Sponsorship Group
- Troy Ewanchyna, Vice President and GM, NBCSports.com
- John Harper, SVP Consulting, Wasserman Media Group (LA)
- Dale Hooper, Chief Brand Officer, Rogers Communications
- Dave Hopkinson, Chief Commercial Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Christina Litz, VP Broadcast and Media Assets, Canadian Football League
- Scott Moore, President of Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers Communications
- Kelly Murumets, President/CEO, Tennis Canada
- Chris Overholt, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee
- Gaetan Tardif, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee
- Alyson Walker, VP Content, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment