AO StartUps 2026

About

AO StartUps 2026 is an accelerator program designed for startups in the sports and technology sectors, providing them with mentorship, exposure at the Australian Open, and investment opportunities through Tennis Australia's venture funds, ideal for teams leveraging AI to innovate in sports and large events.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Support
  Access to investment opportunities through Tennis Australia's venture funds, AO Ventures and Wildcard Ventures.
• 🎓Mentorship Program
  Guidance from industry experts throughout the program.
• 🏢Office Space
  Utilization of world-class venues for product testing.
• 🌐Network Access
  Exposure to a global audience with over one million live spectators and broadcast reach.
• 📈Business Support
  Opportunity to receive valuable market feedback during live testing at a major sports event.
• 🎤Exposure Opportunities
  Participation in one of the world's largest sporting events for enhanced visibility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to startups from Australia and internationally, including the USA, Spain, and Ireland
• Must be a legally registered company with innovative technology and concepts
• Targeting startups utilizing AI technology in sports, sustainability, fan engagement, and performance enhancement
• Startups should be able to apply their innovations in a high-performance environment during the Australian Open
• Teams must demonstrate the capability to test their solutions in a real-world setting at a major sporting event

Participation Commitments

• Must attend the Australian Open for live testing of products
• Commitment to engage with the program and utilize the provided resources effectively
• Participants may need to present their innovations during the event

Target Region

Open to startups from Australia and various international locations.

Target Sector

Focused on sports technology and innovation.