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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 sport organizations for the chance to pilot your solution in front of global audiences

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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.

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What's in it for you

Real Buyers, Real Problems

Address curated problem statements from top sports organizations; get evaluated by domain experts and decision‑makers while showcasing your skills to industry leaders


Stage Visibility at PEAK

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


Pathway to Business Opportunites

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


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 sport organizations, major clubs, leagues, federations, venues, or event owners


* Startups that have applied to other PEAK pitch competitions are also welcome to apply to the Groundbreakers Challenge.

PEAK Benefits for Shortlisted Startups

All shortlisted startups for the Groundbreakers Challenge get complimentary access to PEAK plus all startup benefits including Investor Office Hours, AI Workshops and more. 


As a GSIC Member, you also benefit from exclusive discounts on PEAK full-access passes and exhibition booth packages.

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

 

How it works

 
February 11

Challenges Published 

GSIC consolidates problem statements from sport organizations. 

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 21-22

Finalist Pitches at PEAK

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

 
Onwards

Intros Toward Pilots

Winners receive introductions to explore pilot opportunities with problem‑owners 

Confirmed Organizations & Challenges

FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and World Table Tennis and European Soccer teams 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. 


Challenges

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.


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 organizations 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 organizations; 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 organizations.

Applications have closed. 


Questions?  Email [email protected]