Will Present for Judging Panel of Sports and Fitness Executives and Investors
(September 16, 2024) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced today that it has selected 11 finalists to compete in the 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge. The Start-Up Challenge, now in its eighth year, champions innovative entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing the sports and fitness sector through cutting-edge products, technologies, and concepts.
The first part of the competition will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, with the Virtual Q&A Session. At the conclusion of the Q&A session, the top three finalists will be selected to move on to compete for the chance to be the Challenge Champion at the Start-Up Challenge Main Event on October 29, 2024, at Babson College – in coordination with SFIA’s Boston Super Regional.
The applicant pool includes entrepreneurs from around the world, representing all segments of the sports and fitness industry, including performance and strength/conditioning products, technologies and apps powered by AI, and more.
All finalists will receive an invite to participate in the live Virtual Q&A Session (September 26) to pitch their product or service to a panel of esteemed judges made up of industry executives, investors, retailers, and thought leaders. In addition, all finalists will receive one year of SFIA membership, a logo feature in an SFIA research report, a five-minute pitch video, real-time feedback from industry decision-makers and executives, and personal introductions.
The 2024 finalists are:
- Activate: Offers innovative game boxes and an AI-powered app that delivers personalized educational and entertaining activities for children.
- Alphabeats: A cutting-edge neurofeedback device that uses music to enhance mental focus and relaxation.
- FabLittleBag: An eco-friendly disposal bag designed for hygienic and discreet disposal of sanitary products.
- iPlayMe2: An innovative app-centric solution for racquet club sports, and their players, to streamline game and match scheduling, and maximize member engagement.
- LZRD Tech: Creates high friction grip apparel designed to help users in both the athletic and industrial sectors securely handle items.
- Maaree: Offers high-performance sports bras and activewear designed to provide superior support and comfort for women during physical activities.
- New Stream: Leverages AI to transform sports training and injury prevention, creating data-driven plans from assessments of agility, flexibility, power, and speed using smartphone cameras.
- Pick Fit: Offers a comprehensive fitness experience by combining state-of-the-art pickleball courts with innovative strength and conditioning equipment.
- Prorizon: A UK-based startup revolutionizing mental and physical health management for youth, especially elite athletes, through personalized, AI-driven tools and comprehensive biopsychosocial data.
- Total Motion 360: An innovative fitness device designed to provide a full-body workout through 360-degree motion and resistance training.
- Volley: Offers an AI-enabled training experience that modernizes racquet sports by simulating live play and providing on-demand training.
In addition to all the prizes listed above, the grand prize winner, who will be selected amongst three finalists at the Start-Up Challenge Main Event (October 29) will receive a 2025 SFIA Start-Up Challenge judges’ seat, national media coverage, a spotlight in an SFIA Research Report, and the opportunity to network and connect with SFIA Members at an SFIA event – including free event registration, a speaking opportunity, and public recognition as ‘Start-Up Challenge Winner’ at an SFIA event.
“Americans are valuing and pursuing active lifestyles more than ever before, and with that comes the need to innovate and create inspiring new products and ideas,” said Tom Cove, President & CEO, SFIA. “As the SFIA hosts its eighth Start-Up Challenge in 2024, we are excited to again highlight next-gen advancements to help enhance the sports and fitness industry.”
For more on the 2024 Start-Up Challenge, visit www.sfiastartupchallenge.org.
If you are interested in an interview with one of the Start-Up Challenge finalists or a member of the SFIA team, please contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected].
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.