ODI OpenActive Accelerator seek data focused sport-tech startups

by Startacus Admin

If you have an innovative idea to help people find and take part in physical activities, and could use open data about activities, the ODI OpenActive Accelerator might just be the perfect fit.
Good sports that we are, Startacus thought it best to share all the key details you just might need.-min.png)
The Open Data Institute’s 6-month OpenActive Accelerator, in partnership with Sport England, aims to get people active using data as part of its wider sector initiative.
The goal with the OpenActive Accelerator is to find and then support startups that aim to help consumers to find and do more physical activity in ways that meet their needs using open data about activities – know as open opportunity data – made available via the OpenActive initiative.
Open to concepts that fall under various verticals from VR, AR, IoT devices, big data and AI applications, through to consumer or business facing services, the OpenActive Accelerator is designed for pre-market startups that can benefit from the integration of this data in creating products that can offer seamless experiences for people to get active.
Open opportunity data
Open opportunity data helps people decide whether an activity is (or isn’t) for them. It includes real-time information and integrated booking options, for classes, sessions and clubs, spare places in leagues, tennis courts and football pitches for hire. You can use opportunity data in many ways to inspire people to be more active, remove pain points and deliver better customer experiences.
Run from May to October 2018, the programme will offer up to 10 startups access to a top network of partners, data providers, experts and leading mentors.
Each startup will also be provided with office space, mentoring, workshops, access to legal and investment advice, events, networking opportunities, and additional perks like cloud-storage and software packages - with the support and mentoring coming from experts in entrepreneurship, data, sport and physical activity specifically.
Orsola De Marco, Head of Startups, at the ODI said:
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to getting people active. People struggle to stay active for many reasons, such as time pressures, changing commitments, health restrictions and emotional barriers. Data can reduce friction across services and create solutions that are tailored to people’s needs.
“Allowing startups to respond to specific challenges of their choice makes way for broader innovation across the sector that can reach different parts of our society. This diversity creates a powerful peer-network and offers valuable opportunities for collaboration. We are excited to support startups along their journey, accelerating their growth and impact.”
If you want to apply to the OpenActive Accelerator you’d better be quick...
Applications close on Sunday 11th March and shortlisted startups will be invited to attend a 4 day bootcamp in person, in London on 19-22 March, which will include a 5 minute pitch to judges, with notifications sent out to all startups who attended the bootcamp by 3 April 2018 to let them know if they have made the programme.
Selected startups will then join the OpenActive Accelerator on 1st May and graduate on 31st October 2018 with a Demo Day to showcase their product or service taking place early November 2018.
Visit the accelerator page to meet the organisations and experts supporting the accelerator, find out more about the programme, and make that all important application. Game on!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Thinking about embarking on currency trading? Here are some basic tips that will help you do just that...

Thinking of using email marketing to promote your startup? Here are a few of the key things to consider when doing just that...

The lowdown on Fleex, the startup that helps companies provide remote employees with all they need to make working from home more comfortable

Judging panel now revealed for the LEVELUP startup pitch comp for early stage NI startups taking place at Derry & Strabane Enterprise Week - entries open until 10th April

Key speakers, panelists and sponsors announced for the LEVELUP event, taking place on 21-22 April as part of Derry & Strabane Enterprise Week

As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, here is an overview of a few of the key things that you can do to help set the foundation for a stronger year ahead

The lowdown on Leaf Envy, the startup that wants to help us all become plant parents and grow our indoor jungle of dreams...

Make sure that you have happy employees in your startup right from the beginning, by applying some of these basic tips...

"Mutt-rimonials" are on the horizon thanks to Woof Weddings, the UK's first dedicated wedding planning service for dogs

Manual secures major investment to help with product development and international expansion and its overall mission to become the global destination for men’s health
Published on: 7th March 2018
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Huge rise in dog weddings leads Feast It and Poppy’s Picnic to launch dog wedding planning service 31st Mar 2021 "Mutt-rimonials" are on the horizon thanks to Woof Weddings, the UK's first dedicated wedding planning service for dogs
- Manual, the innovative Men’s Health platform Raises $30M Series A 31st Mar 2021 Manual secures major investment to help with product development and international expansion and its overall mission to become the global destination for men’s health
- Arbolus raises $6m for AI-driven platform that puts collaboration at the Future of Work 26th Mar 2021 The Barcelona-based startup Arbolus secures funding boost to support the development of its enterprise knowledge sharing platform and its international growth plans
- NI startup pitch competition LEVELUP opens for applications 25th Mar 2021 Interesting and innovative early-stage NI startups now being sought for the LEVELUP pitch competition at Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week