A new cohort of global sport technology startups will be selected to pilot their innovations across the upcoming Summer of Tennis with AO StartUps today launching its final intake for 2024.

Since its inception in 2022, AO StartUps has collaborated with over 20 pioneering new companies to test, trial and develop their technology during major events and across other verticals within Tennis Australia’s business.

“We are on the hunt for innovative founders that align with our strategy to disrupt the status quo and harness new technology to drive advancements in our player and fan experience,” Tennis Australia Director of Innovation Dr Machar Reid said.

“We have seen incredible success with companies that have previously participated in AO StartUps with the performance of their pilot regularly exceeding expectations and leading to our business engaging them on an ongoing basis.”

“AO StartUps has fast become a critical component of our innovation agenda at Tennis Australia and we have high hopes that this intake will uncover a new batch of creative founders who are seeking to put their stamp on the sporting world.”

Previous companies to have joined AO StartUps include BatFast, 1080 Motion, Pendular, CAMB.AI, Prism Neuro Trickshot, DVOX, Stringr, Straffr, Circular, PAM, Raven, Cape Bionics, Equidi, Calyx, MATCHi and YBVR.

AO StartUps is led by Tennis Australia’s Innovation team and follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital Fund (Wildcard Ventures) and its multi-year partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars.

Early-stage tech companies have until 8 November 2024 to apply.

Visit aostartups.ausopen.com to learn more and apply.

About AO StartUps

AO StartUps is the latest step in Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy which helps startup companies pilot their cutting edge technology at the AO and other areas of Tennis Australia’s business.

Companies participating in AO StartUps will be provided the opportunity to prove their business models in real time and directly access proprietary intel and exposure at one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment events. It’s been designed to extract maximum value for the startup, streamline corporate processes that can often stifle innovating at speed, and provide an opportunity for investment via Tennis Australia’s venture capital fund, Wildcard Ventures.

The creation of AO StartUps follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund (Wildcard Ventures) and its multi-year partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars.