Future of Sport Lab launches new incubator cohort for sport tech startups
TORONTO, ON, April 21, 2022 – Ryerson University* and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) - in collaboration with Ryerson’s DMZ – announced today it is now accepting applications for a new cohort of sport tech startups to join the Future of Sport Lab (FSL) (external link) incubator program. The business incubator has helped propel many sport tech startups including The Gist (external link, opens in new window) , ProWire (external link, opens in new window) , Spalk (external link, opens in new window) and Zone7 (external link, opens in new window) .
Registration (external link) is open until May 12, 2022.
Startups that have graduated from FSL, a Ted Rogers School of Management lab, have gone on to raise more than $30 million in new financing and investments along with new business partnerships and ventures.
“FSL has created an inspiring environment for sport innovation that is driving social, economic growth and development in the Canadian sport tech sector,” says Brian Cooper, Chair, Future of Sport Lab.
“This is such an exciting era for sport – with new technology advancing everything from fan engagement, broadcast and performance to NFTs and advanced analytics. I look forward to seeing what the next wave of innovators joining FSL will bring to the table,” echoes Dr. Cheri L. Bradish, Managing Director, FSL.
“MLSE Digital Labs has proudly supported the Future of Sport Lab mission, as we foster innovation in sports and entertainment to provide best in class fan experiences. We’ve been proud to create opportunities and exposure for FSL startups and we are looking forward to a new cohort of sport tech startups joining the program,” says Sumit Arora, Vice President, Strategy and Analytics, MLSE.
FSL launched in 2018 as Canada’s leading sport tech incubator and lab, delivering agile curricular programming, pilot projects and academic insights. The cornerstone of the program has been direct access and mentorship from FSL’s unmatched community of industry leaders, academics and investors from across the Canadian sport landscape. FSL also facilitates the delivery of complementary sport business programming and integration with the Ted Rogers School.
Throughout the program, startups will have a chance to connect with leaders across the MLSE sports and entertainment network. The program concludes a pitch demo session in front of Canada’s top sport and tech leaders and investors.
Sport tech startups and innovators representing all areas of the sport and entertainment landscape are encouraged to apply. Registration is open until May 12, 2022. Interested startups can visit futuresportlab.com/apply (external link) for more information.
About Future of Sport Lab
Future of Sport Lab (FSL) is a collaborative lab for sport innovation created and managed by Ryerson University*, supported by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE). FSL is widely recognized as Canada’s global leader in sport innovation, creating an ecosystem that connects sport properties, industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders and scholars. FSL has fostered several diverse innovative sport solutions and technologies as well as related insights and education. Startups through the program have raised over $30 million in new financing and investments along with securing a number of significant sport business partnerships.
For application information please visit futuresportlab.com (external link)
*Renaming in process
About the DMZ
The DMZ is a leading startup incubator equipping the next generation of leading tech entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build, launch, and scale highly impactful startups. By providing connections to customers, coaching, capital, and a community, the DMZ’s customized approach help innovators reach the next milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – whatever that might be. The DMZ has helped more than 700 startups raise $1.65 billion in capital and create 4,600+ jobs through its award-winning programming. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada with globally-accessible programming, the DMZ has a widely-recognized international presence with offices in Vietnam and India, and partnerships across North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Media Contacts
Greg McIsaac
Future of Sport Lab
Tel: (416) 458-3591
greg@junctioncommunications.com
Charzie Abendanio
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
charzie.abendanio@mlse.com