Incubator & Accelerator
AO StartUps 2026
Open Now
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
- 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
- Open to startups from Australia and internationally, including the USA, Spain, and Ireland.
- 🏢 Legal Status
- Must be a legally registered company with innovative technology and concepts.
- 💼 Business Stage
- Targeting startups utilizing AI technology in sports, sustainability, fan engagement, and performance enhancement.
- 💰 Financial Requirements
- Startups should be able to apply their innovations in a high-performance environment during the Australian Open.
- 👥 Team Requirements
- Teams must demonstrate the capability to test their solutions in a real-world setting at a major sporting event.
Participation Commitments
- 📍 Physical Attendance
- Must attend the Australian Open for live testing of products.
- ⏰ Time Commitment
- Commitment to engage with the program and utilize the provided resources effectively.
- 🎤 Presentation Requirement
- 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.
Tennis Australia