Victoria's 'super cluster' of sport innovation is led by the nation's leading organisation dedicated to sports technology and innovation, the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), which brings together sports tech entrepreneurs, startups, and leading sports tech companies to accelerate local sports tech growth and attract national and international partnerships.

ASICE will drive sports innovation, support the commercialisation of research and development, and attract national and international partnership opportunities for Victoria's growing sports technology sector.

A $4 million investment from the Victorian Government will see ASICE provide Australia with more sports technology-related innovation programs. Over the last eight years, Australia's sports technology industry has grown from $250 million to $1.2 billion, with about half of the business based in Victoria.

James Demetriou, Chair of ASTN, says the ASICE provides a one-stop-shop for businesses to connect and share valuable knowledge, ideas, and resources.

“ASTN is proud to bring together the most innovative minds, to nurture talent and foster innovation – to help accelerate Australia’s sports tech industry and build the next generation of Australian inspired sports technologies and companies,” said Demetriou.

 

 

“Our mission is to build a world-class sports tech hub that allows startups and scaleups to thrive in a new world where the future of sport is tech driven, digital and data oriented.

 

The opening of the Centre marks a significant milestone for Victoria’s sports tech sector. We are just at the beginning of a sports tech boom, and the Innovation Centre will help to propel many startups and scaleups forward, by leveraging new partnership opportunities, gaining access to business mentoring, and collaborating with industry leaders,” added Demetriou.

The Australian Sports Innovation Centre for Excellence (ASICE) program activities are grouped into three streams:

Knowledge and Insights: Masterclasses, short courses, development of research and sector reports and special interest groups.

Innovation Hub: Physical co-working space, member showcase opportunities, meetups and pitching days.

Connections & Collaboration: Global advocacy introductions, collaboration hackathons, awards and conferences.

The program activities will complement ASTN's existing startup support services, including accelerator programs, open innovation programs, and business matching.

For more information, please visit astn.com.au/asice-centre