IIT Madras to invest up to Rs 5 crore in sports tech startups

The focus will be on startups that create products utilizing sensors, networks, actuators and controllers. These startups will have the opportunity to receive support from the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and the IIT Madras Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA).

Key areas of innovation include media and entertainment platforms, fan and player engagement, athlete performance measurement, esports, sports education, sports data analytics and sports commerce.

IIT Madras will also launch a four-year course in sports science for the 2025 academic session. This program is part of the institute’s Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), which aims to foster deep tech startups in the sports sector.

Even early-stage startups can qualify for funding, provided they are incorporated and have secured intellectual property rights. In addition to financial support, IITM CESSA will offer startups access to advanced sports infrastructure, technical assistance, and a comprehensive startup ecosystem to help them thrive.

As of May 2024, the IIT-Madras Incubation Cell has supported 351 startups, attracting investments totaling Rs 10,425 crore from angel investors and VCs, with a combined valuation of Rs 45,000 crore. These startups generated Rs 3,600 crore in revenue during the financial year 2022-23, created over 10,000 jobs, and filed more than 210 patents.