Australian startups looking to showcase their technology on centre court during the upcoming tennis season can now apply for the next intake of Tennis Australia’s AO StartUps program.

Part of Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy, the AO StartUps program gives founders the chance to pilot their tech in the lead up to, and during, the Australian Open in January each year, and within Tennis Australia’s business more broadly.

To date, more than 20 sports tech startups have participated in the program, which is entering its fourth round.

These include Australian startups Prism Neuro, PAM, Cape Bionics, Equidi and Calyx.

International startups to participate in the program include BatFast (UK), Trickshot (UK), Raven (UK), Camb.ai (US), YBVR (US), Stringr (US), DVOX (Canada), 1080 Motion (Sweden), MATCHi (Sweden), Pendular (Spain), UDU (Denmark), Straffr (Germany) and Circular (France).

Applications are now open for the mid-year intake for the next round of the program, which is looking specifically for early-stage tech companies in the areas of health and wellness, sustainability, Padel tennis, and the fan experience.

Participating startups are given direct access to proprietary intelligence and exposure at the Australian Open to help prove their business models in real-time, as well as potential investment from Tennis Australia’s venture capital fund, Wildcard Ventures.

Wildcard Ventures itself was established in 2021 and has invested in the likes of Mr Yum, Swing Vision, Minute.ly, Samsara and Kabata.

Tennis Australia also has a multi-year partnership with global accelerator Techstars.

The AO StartUps program is open to startups from around the world that can “really change the game”, said Tennis Australia’s head of innovation Dr Machar Reid.

“Our ongoing mission is to uncover the best ideas across early-stage sport tech companies and provide an incredible opportunity for them to be part of the biggest global sports and entertainment event in January,” Reid said in a statement.

Applications for the AO StartUps intake close on May 24, 2024, More information is available online here.