[Call for Applications] Japan Sports Agency and SPORTS TECH TOKYO to Hold Information Session for Open Innovation Promotion Program "INNOVATION LEAGUE"

The Japan Sports Agency and SPORTS TECH TOKYO will host the "INNOVATION LEAGUE" program to promote the establishment of a sports open innovation platform.
This program consists of the "Innovation League Acceleration" to expand sports business and the "Innovation League Contest" to recognize new initiatives in sports business. Applications are now being accepted for both.
We are currently recruiting participants for an online briefing session to be held on August 6.

[Program Information Session]

An online event will be held to explain the details of the "Innovation League Acceleration" and "Innovation League Contest."
Date & Time: Thursday, August 6, 2020, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Format: Online Seminar (Zoom Webinar)
Participation Fee: Free
Program Details and Registration:https://eventregist.com/e/IL_infosession0806

【"INNOVATION LEAGUE" Overview】

■ "INNOVATION LEAGUE" Official Website
https://innovation-league.sportstech.tokyo/

■ "Innovation League Acceleration" to Expand Sports Business
A program aiming to expand sports business by generating ideas through combining technologies in sports-related fields with the challenges and assets held by sports associations and organizations. Final selected companies, after passing screening, will refine their ideas during a roughly 3-month mentoring period and then present their results at a Demo Day.

■Collaboration Partners (Proof-of-Concept Partners)
The "Innovation League Acceleration" program collaborates with the Japan Volleyball Association (a public interest incorporated foundation) and 3×3. EXE PREMIER as collaboration partners (proof-of-concept partners) to conduct proof-of-concept testing for the technologies and business ideas of the final selected companies.

Japan Volleyball Association ( https://www.jva.or.jp/ )
3×3. EXE PREMIER ( https://www.3x3exe.com/premier/ )

【Innovation League Acceleration Entry Overview】

Application Guidelines & Registration:
https://innovation-league.sportstech.tokyo/acceleration
Application Period: July 20 (Mon) - September 11 (Fri) 23:59
Number of Companies Selected: Approximately 5 companies
※ Approximately 10-20 companies will be selected in the initial screening after the application deadline . Companies passing the initial screening will be provided networking opportunities with a wide range of supporting companies and organizations.
※ Approximately 5 companies from the first-round selections will be finalized as "Finalist Companies" at the kickoff event scheduled for November . They will receive approximately 3 months of support, including mentoring, co-creation opportunities, and presentation opportunities at the Demo Day.

Program Schedule:
Program Information Session (Online): August 6, 2020
Notification of companies passing the initial screening (approximately 10-20 companies): Early October 2020
Kickoff Event (to be held in Tokyo or online): Early November 2020
Notification of Finalist Companies (Approximately 5 companies): Early November 2020
Co-creation Program Period (Scheduled to be held in Tokyo or online): Mid-November 2020 - February 2021
Demo Day: Mid-February 2021

[Innovation League Contest Entry Overview]

As the sports business expands, new challenges are emerging across Japan. The Innovation League Contest recognizes new and outstanding initiatives that enhance the value of sports and expand the potential of the sports business.
Eligibility: Companies, sports teams/competition organizations, individuals, etc., based in Japan
Awards:
"Innovation League Grand Prize": Initiatives that strongly demonstrate the industrial expansion potential of sports
"Social Impact Award": Initiatives utilizing sports to address social issues
"Activation Award": Pioneering initiatives in sponsorship utilization
"Pioneer Award": Challenges overcoming changes and difficulties arising from the impact of COVID-19
Application Period: Monday, July 14, 2020 - Thursday, December 31, 2020, 23:59
Results Announcement: Scheduled for early February 2021
For application details, jury information, and more, please visit:
https://innovation-league.sportstech.tokyo/contest/

＜Inquiries about the Innovation League＞
innovation@sportstech.tokyo