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.

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!

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Published on: 7th March 2018