IIT Madras to Host Sports Tech Startup Conclave in New Delhi

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is taking a significant step forward in promoting sports technology in India. The Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA) at IIT Madras will be organizing a “Sports Tech Startup Conclave” in New Delhi on July 12th and 13th, 2024.

Aligning with National Goals

This conclave serves a multifaceted purpose. It showcases IIT Madras’ commitment to fostering the growth of sports startups in India. Additionally, it highlights their plans to provide technological support to the Indian government’s efforts towards hosting the 2036 Olympics. The conclave will also emphasize promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in the production of sports equipment through technological advancements.

Fostering a Thriving Ecosystem

The conclave coincides strategically with the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024 and aims to launch programs that align with the Indian government’s vision for sports development. Professor Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras and Head of CESSA, emphasizes the importance of nurturing sports tech startups for Indian athletes to achieve global recognition.

Building a Support Network

Ramesh Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of CESSA, highlights their mission to create a comprehensive support structure for sports technology in India. This includes raising awareness about opportunities in the sector, showcasing innovative products and applications, facilitating networking among various stakeholders, and fostering collaboration between public and private entities.

Key Objectives and Initiatives

The conclave’s core objectives include promoting sports tech startups and establishing a robust sports technology ecosystem. CESSA plans to support 10 promising sports tech startups with a combined investment of Rs. 5 crore through IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies, alongside providing incubation support. Furthermore, IIT Madras aims to incubate at least 200 sports technology startups from India with groundbreaking ideas over the next five years.

Expanding Educational Horizons

The conclave will also explore avenues for providing high-quality sports education through digital platforms offered by IIT Madras. This initiative caters to various stakeholders within the Indian sports ecosystem. Additionally, the conclave will discuss potential collaboration models among these stakeholders involved in sports education.

Supporting Olympic Aspirations

The event paves the way for establishing support structures to assist the Government of India and sports bodies in their endeavors to host the 2036 Olympics. IIT Madras CESSA intends to play a crucial role in providing active technological support for this ambition.

Collaboration for Success

IIT Madras already collaborates extensively with the National Centre for Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to provide technological assistance to sports federations and athletes in India. This collaboration aims to ensure the long-term success of Indian athletes in international competitions.

Empowering Stakeholders Across the Spectrum

In line with its diverse objectives, IIT Madras CESSA will focus on several key areas:

• Supporting Technology for Domestic Sports Goods Production: This initiative aims to encourage the use of technology for domestic production of specific sports equipment and services.
• Enhancing Sports Education through Technology: Technology will be leveraged to provide access to high-quality sports education for various stakeholders within the sports ecosystem, including physical education teachers, coaches, referees, analysts, managers, and players.
• Promoting Self-Paced Learning: IIT Madras will work towards promoting the use of their existing technology stack for universal and self-paced learning of various sports courses launched through NPTEL in collaboration with different entities.
• Building a Digital Sports University: Leveraging the success of their digital learning initiatives, IIT Madras plans to operationalize a digital university dedicated to sports industry-focused courses. This university will offer upskilling opportunities for various players within the sports value chain.
• Engaging Retired Athletes: The conclave will also set the stage for IIT Madras to develop a comprehensive plan for engaging retired sportspersons. This plan will encompass education and upskilling opportunities, employment avenues, and promoting opportunities through sports education and courses in collaboration with various players in India.

The Sports Tech Startup Conclave by IIT Madras CESSA promises to be a landmark event, fostering innovation, collaboration, and a brighter future for Indian sports.