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GROUNDBREAKERS CHALLENGE 

PITCH YOUR SPORT-TECH AT LAS VEGAS

Join the Groundbreakers Challenge at PEAK 2026 and pitch your startup to leading sports entities for the chance to pilot your solution in front of global audiences

                                                                                                                             APPLY NOW

What is Groundbreakers Challenge

The Groundbreakers Challenge is a global open‑innovation call designed to connect the most promising sport‑tech startups with real industry challenges from leading sports organizations. 

In this edition, through GSIC’s proven methodology and PEAK’s world‑class stage, selected startups gain the opportunity to pitch live in Las Vegas, engage directly with decision‑makers, and unlock potential pilot collaborations that can accelerate their impact worldwide.

Apply Now

What's in it for you

Real Buyers, Real Problems

Address curated problem statements from top sports entities; get evaluated by domain experts and decision‑makers



Stage Visibility at PEAK

Shortlisted startups pitch live at PEAK Las Vegas (Fontainebleau) in front of leaders from sport, media, tech, and investment



Pathway to Pilots

Winners gain direct introductions to problem owners, the chance to scope global pilot projects via GSIC Testing Lab, and marketing visibility through GSIC


PEAK Benefits for Shortlisted Startups

Write one or two paragraphs describing your product or services. To be successful your content needs to be useful to your readers.

PEAK Tickets

2 complimentary PEAK tickets per shortlisted startup to attend and pitch on stage

Exhibit at PEAK Tech Expo

Discounted startup kiosk option in the Tech Expo, recommended by PEAK for extra exposure

Sports Entities Confirmed

FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and World Table Tennis are confirmed. Global Leaders with massive audiences and real-world challenges. Startups gain a rare chance to collaborate with the organizations shaping the future of sports. 


 

How it works

 
February 11

Challenges Published 

GSIC consolidates problem statements from sports entities. 

February 11 to March 15

Open Call & Screening

GSIC will launch an open call for startups to propose solutions. A shortlist will be invited to pitch during PEAK.

 
April 22-23

Finalist Pitches at PEAK

Finalists will present their solutions live at PEAK Las Vegas in front of the sport entities.

 
Onwards

Intros Toward Pilots

Winners receive introductions to explore pilot opportunities with problem‑owners 

Who Should Apply

For this edition we are looking for companies with these characteristics:


Early‑ to growth‑stage sport‑tech startups with deployable products

Solutions across Fan Engagement, Media tech & Sponsorship, Venues Management, and Athlete Performance

Teams ready to engage with major clubs, leagues, federations, venues, or event owners

Real Challenges from Real Sports Organizations

These problem statements come directly from leading sports organizations around the world. Each one reflects a real operational, technological or fan‑engagement challenge they are actively seeking to solve. By applying to the Groundbreakers Challenge X PEAK, your startup can propose an innovative solution, pitch it live in Las Vegas, and access a pathway toward potential pilot opportunities with high‑impact industry partners.

Women’s Football Innovations

Problem Statement

Women’s football is experiencing rapid growth in visibility and global interest. What specific innovations can support the continued growth of the Women's game to expand the reach of key competitions and tournaments, deepen fan engagement and increase the profile of Women's football globally?

Know more about this Problem Statement in the FIFA Innovation Programme

Esports

Problem Statement

During esports events, how can we to enrich the viewer's experience (both in the stadium and over broadcast) by showcasing the pressure and high-performance situations of an esports player on the biggest stage? What technologies and solutions can we leverage to capture and present new data to build a better picture of what each player is feeling, in non-intrusive, accessible way?

Know more about this Problem Statement in the FIFA Innovation Programme

World Table Tennis (WTT) — Fan Engagement

Problem Statement

While table tennis has a massive global participation base, converting casual audiences into engaged digital fans remains a challenge. Younger audiences demand immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences that go beyond traditional broadcast formats.

Challenge

How might WTT create deeper emotional connections and sustained engagement with global fans by leveraging digital innovation?

Opportunity areas include:

  • Interactive viewing experiences
  • Gamification and second-screen participation
  • Creator-driven or community-led engagement models
  • Personalization through data and AI
  • Hybrid physical-digital fan ecosystems

Solutions should help transform passive viewers into active participants in the sport’s ecosystem.

U.S. Soccer — Growing the Game Nationally

Problem Statement

Soccer participation and interest in the United States are increasing, yet the sport faces structural, cultural, and accessibility barriers that limit long-term growth, talent pipeline development, and fan conversion relative to other major sports.

Challenge

How might U.S. Soccer accelerate nationwide growth of the sport by expanding access, engagement, and development pathways across diverse communities?

Areas of exploration may include:

  • Technology-enabled grassroots participation models
  • Talent identification and development tools
  • Community engagement platforms
  • Inclusive access solutions addressing cost, geography, or infrastructure
  • Data-driven fan conversion strategies

The objective is to strengthen soccer’s position as a mainstream and accessible sport across the country.

Previous Editions

In previous editions, the Groundbreakers Challenge has collaborated with some of the world’s most influential sports organizations, such as major professional leagues, international federations, elite clubs, and global motorsport properties. Examples include the NBA, Miami Heat, Formula E, McLaren Formula 1 Team, Premier Padel, the European Handball Federation

1st Edition: 2022-2023

35 problem statements from +20 sport entities across football, cricket, MMA, cycling, swimming and more. Winners included Sceenic, tagSpace, EliteFit.AI, Xeerpa, Microtube Technologies, Grabyo, turfcoach, Zuno Carbon, binah.ai, Genesis Gym Singapore

2nd Edition: 2024

58 problem statements from 25 sport entities; 169 applications from 35 countries; multi‑round evaluation and Final Pitch Day. Top‑3 winners: Sceenic, Neoma, New Stream LTD


Post-Challenge Engagements 

EliteFit.AI, winner of the first Groundbreakers Challenge, went on to collaborate with leading global sports organizations—including Real Madrid Next, LaLiga Tech, and Cricket Australia


Success Story: 

From Challenge to Collaboration


More than 50 startups had follow‑on engagements with Real Madrid Next, LALIGA, and Cricket Australia, showcasing how the program opens real pathways from innovation to collaboration with flagship entities.

Ready to pitch in Las Vegas?

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Questions?  Email [email protected]

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