This collaboration has opened new avenues for sports startups and organizations across Europe to foster innovation and enhance sustainability through new funding schemes.
The European Platform for Sport Innovation takes the opportunity of Spain’s recent victory in the UEFA European Football Championship to highlight the importance of our collaboration with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). This collaboration, initiated in Autumn last year, aims to foster innovation and enhance sustainability within the sports sector through strategic funding schemes. EPSI introduced UEFA’s Champions Innovate challenge to our members during a webinar in October 2023, showcasing the UEFA Innovation Hub‘s commitment to supporting football’s sustainable future by inviting startups to propose innovative solutions to specific challenges.
Several EPSI members presented proposals for the Champions Innovate challenge, demonstrating their potential to contribute to football’s advancement. Although not selected, their participation underscores the significance of such initiatives in driving forward-thinking solutions. Later, EPSI’s Executive Director, Alberto Bichi, attended the award ceremony at the Champions League final in London. The collaboration with UEFA allows sports startups and organisations to develop and pilot innovative projects, thanks also to major sponsors like PepsiCo, Just Eat Takeaway.com, and Mastercard.
We encourage all EPSI members to stay engaged with our activities and take advantage of the opportunities through our collaboration with UEFA. This is an excellent chance to pitch innovative ideas and secure funding, contributing to the future of sports innovation and sustainability. More exciting opportunities are planned after the summer: stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives designed to support your groundbreaking projects.