The Future of Sports Districts – Startup Challenge 2026

About

A startup challenge focused on transforming the sports ecosystem through innovative solutions in mobility, fan engagement, and sustainability, offering selected startups the chance to pilot their ideas in a real-world environment and collaborate with a leading sports group in Europe.

Benefits

• 🚀Pilot Implementation
  Selected startups will have the opportunity to test their solutions in a real environment with Baskonia-Alavés Group.
• 🤝Strategic Partnership
  Be a strategic partner of The Faktory, the Group's innovation center.
• 📈Acceleration Support
  BerriUp will provide support during the acceleration phases.
• 🌐Network Access
  Access to a network of corporations and partners from the promoters.
• 🏢Qualified Workspaces
  Possibility to work in qualified workspaces provided by the organizers.
• 💡Visibility
  Gain visibility within the sports innovation ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to innovative startups or SMEs
• Projects must have an MVP or validated product
• Teams should possess scalable technology
• Solutions must be applicable to the sports industry, sustainability, mobility, or entertainment
• Startups should be exploring new concepts or ready to test and deploy solutions

Participation Commitments

• Must submit solutions aligned with the challenge verticals by the application deadline
• Finalists must present their projects to the jury in a virtual session before July 10, 2026
• Selected startups must participate in the acceleration phase starting in September 2026
• Deliver final results and participate in the Demo Day on January 29, 2027.

Target Region

Open to international startups and SMEs

Target Sector

Sports technology and innovation