La Liga, the Spanish league soccer body, has partnered with Microsoft’s Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) to launch a global competition open to sport-focused start-ups.
The project seeks to bring innovators and new companies together with La Liga and GSIC experts in the areas of fan engagement, media, smart venues and sports performance.
The ten top-ranked technological developments to qualify for the competition’s final could enter into a pilot project with La Liga. The innovation marks the latest expansion in the league body’s relationship with the software giant, which began in December 2016.
The promotion of the competition stems from an agreement signed in September 2018, which sets out a plan to provide a gateway to the sports and entertainment sectors for new businesses from around the world.
The application process, which is open until 30th March, will see 25 companies chosen by a judging panel, before that figure is whittled down to a final ten following a series of presentations.
The finalists will then be entitled to a series of mentoring sessions from La Liga executives, while also being given the opportunity to implement their concepts throughout Spanish soccer.
Iris Cordoba, general manager of Microsoft GSIC, said: “We are committed to innovative companies and organisations that add value to the sports industry in their digital transformation processes. Forming part of this initiative allows us to support La Liga's innovation strategy and offer the finalists membership of GSIC, which has a 200-strong company network, mentors and activities which will create the possibility of launching a pilot project with La Liga”
Minerva Santana, La Liga's innovation director, added: “At La Liga we are committed to the development of the best technological innovations that help to improve the experience of our fans and the technological growth of our clubs.”
La Liga, the Spanish league soccer body, has partnered with Microsoft’s Global Sports Innovation Centre (GSIC) to launch a global competition open to sport-focused start-ups.
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