IBM Sports Tech Startup Showcase

Revolutionizing Sports: IBM’s AI Fund Powers Next-Gen Startups at Web Summit Vancouver 2026

Emily Fontaine, IBM’s Global Head of Venture Capital, launched the IBM Sports Challenge at Web Summit Vancouver 2026, highlighting IBM’s $500 million AI fund for sports startups. Judges included Ms. Sheila Schindel (Innovate BC), Mr. Jim O’Mara (MLSE), and Mr. Alex Hanhan (KPMG), who shared insights on innovation, AI in fan experience, and emerging technologies.

Adam from DRIVE Hockey Analytics presented their smart arena technology, bringing NHL-level data to amateur sports. Their sport-agnostic system uses wearables, in-venue infrastructure, and AI for real-time, autonomous measurement, offering high precision at reduced costs. DRIVE has generated nearly $1 million in revenue, serves over 7,500 athletes, and a Canlan Sports partnership projects a $5 million ARR.

Mr. Stephen Evans introduced The Coaches Site, an educational platform supporting youth sports coaches. Addressing burnout and resource scarcity, their platform helps coaches discover drills, organize content, and foster community, improving player experience. With 40,000 members and 27% of global hockey coaches, their TCS Plus premium subscription drives $1.5 million in projected ARR, offering AI-powered personalized recommendations.

Ms. Emma Meehan, founder of KinetikIQ, presented her AI-powered 3D movement analysis. Citing high injury rates and traditional assessment limitations, KinetikIQ offers a smartphone-based system creating individualized optimal movement models using AI and 3D scanning, over 95% accurate. It has paying customers, scales across major sports leagues, and sees potential in digital healthcare, having secured over half of its $3 million seed round.

Mr. Quentin Geromin introduced Equip Sport, the world’s first public sports network, providing free equipment via smart stations. Addressing inactive youth and equipment scarcity, their app-based locker system in public spaces significantly boosts activity. Revenue stems from sponsorships by brands and foundations, gaining visibility and data. Operating over 500 stations in 10 countries, they plan rapid expansion, utilizing AI for predictive maintenance.

Mr. Ryan Rottman presented Athlete Agent Inc., a digital platform connecting brands with athletes. Inspired by IMDb, it enhances visibility and connectivity for most athletes, showcasing endorsements, ventures, and representation. The largest database of pro agents and athletes, it’s rapidly expanding. A Google AI partnership will integrate a chatbot for brand-athlete matching. Their data subscription service targets the $100 billion global sports endorsement market.

The judges offered investment preferences: Mr. O’Mara favored Equip Sport for community impact; Ms. Schindel highlighted The Coaches Site for social value; Mr. Hanhan leaned towards The Coaches Site and Athlete Agent Inc. for scalability, cautioning against hardware. A collective observation was the significant untapped market in women’s sports.