IBM and Web Summit launch global Sports Tech Startup Challenge

IBM and Web Summit have announced a global Sports Tech Startup Challenge, a year-long competition designed to identify AI-driven innovations in sports performance, operations and fan engagement. The initiative will run regional events in Qatar, Vancouver and Rio de Janeiro, culminating in a global finale at Web Summit Lisbon 2026. 

Competition scope and objectives

The IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge aims to source enterprise-grade AI solutions that can be deployed across IBM’s technology stack and its portfolio of global sports and entertainment partnerships. Startups will be encouraged to address areas such as: 

• Athlete performance and coaching analytics
• Venue and stadium operations, including security and sustainability
• Broadcast innovation, data-driven storytelling and fan engagement
• Commercial optimisation, including ticketing, sponsorship and digital revenue streams

The challenge extends IBM’s long-standing work with major sports rights-holders and events, where it has supported data, AI and cloud solutions for properties such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the Masters and leading motorsport and combat sports organisations. 

Global format: Qatar, Vancouver, Rio and Lisbon

The programme is structured as a 12-month competition cycle, with regional startup contests integrated into Web Summit’s global event calendar: 

• Web Summit Qatar (Doha) – regional sports-tech startup pitches for the Middle East and wider surrounding markets.
• Web Summit Vancouver (Canada) – focus on North American and wider Pan-Pacific innovators.
• Web Summit Rio (Brazil) – a gateway for Latin American sports-tech startups.
• Web Summit Lisbon 2026 (Portugal) – global showcase and final selection of winners. 

Each regional event will operate under specific local rules and eligibility criteria, to be published ahead of the respective pitch days. Participation remains subject to applicable local laws and official competition rules. 

Support and opportunities for winning startups

Across the cycle, startups will pitch their solutions to panels composed of IBM executives, sports and technology leaders, investors and high-profile athletes. The global winners, selected in Lisbon, may be eligible for: 

• A paid proof of concept (PoC) of up to USD 100,000 with IBM’s Sports and Entertainment Partnership Team
• Mentorship and advisory support from IBM specialists in AI, cloud, product development and go-to-market strategy
  
• Evaluation for venture funding, enabling potential longer-term collaboration and investment
  

This positions the challenge not just as a pitching platform but as a pathway to enterprise-grade deployment and scale, with IBM acting as a technical and commercial partner for high-potential sports-tech startups. 

IBM as Web Summit’s Official AI Partner for 2026

In parallel with the challenge, IBM will serve as the Official AI Partner for all Web Summit 2026 conferences – in Qatar, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon. As part of this role, IBM will:

• Deliver on-floor activations that showcase applied AI and hybrid cloud solutions for business 
• Curate content programmes focused on AI, data, and quantum technologies
  
• Engage with startups, enterprises and public-sector stakeholders across Web Summit’s global audience
• This partnership builds on IBM’s broader strategy around its watsonx AI platform and innovation programmes targeting startups and enterprise builders. 

Application process

Startups interested in the IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge can access information and initiate their applications via Web Summit’s dedicated challenge portal. Details on eligibility, timelines and selection criteria will be updated in advance of each regional event: 

Application portal: IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge page on the Web Summit website

The first regional qualifiers are expected to align with the 2026 editions of Web Summit Qatar, Web Summit Vancouver and Web Summit Rio, ahead of the global finale at Web Summit Lisbon 2026.

About IBM and Web Summit

IBM is a global technology company specialising in hybrid cloud, AI and consulting, serving clients in more than 175 countries and operating across critical sectors including financial services, telecoms, healthcare and government. 

Web Summit is a global technology events organiser whose portfolio includes Web Summit Lisbon, Web Summit Rio, Web Summit Qatar, Web Summit Vancouver and RISE in Asia, collectively attracting close to one million participants since 2009.