A new pilot program aimed at helping sports technologies startups in South Australia crack the $500 billion US sports sector was launched in Adelaide during the AFL’s Gather Round.
The South Australian Sportstech Export Capability Program is a partnership between the state government and the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN).
It will provide up to 10 South Australian sportstech startups with capabilities through workshops and mentoring to explore and expand into the competitive US and allied markets, culminating in an ASTN-led trade mission in June to the United States.
ASTN chair Dr Martin Schlegel said the South Australia’s sportstech sector shows tremendous potential for growth with several major sporting events in the pipeline, and several stadium and technology leaders headquartered in the state.
“ASTN is proud to be partnering with the South Australian Government to help grow the local sportstech ecosystem by delivering the South Australian Sportstech Export Capability Program,” he said
“Programs like this have proved to be highly successful in scaling growth-stage startups that are ready to compete on the global stage.
“We are encouraging all South Australian based sportstech startups and small businesses to apply for the program, where they will gain access to industry experts, connect with likeminded businesses, as well as have the opportunity to access new markets.”
Applications to the Sportstech Export Capability Program close on April 27. Apply or get more details at statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/sportstech
The state is already home to several globally successful sports tech startups, including Adelaide-based food and beverages ordering platform MyVenue, which recently opened a new office at Lot Fourteen in the SA capital after successfully growing their US exports to $18.1 million in 2024.
MyVenue CEO Tim Stollznow said the platform is now is used at 186 venues around the globe, and more than doubled its market share in the last 12 months, with revenue growth rising 537% in three years.
“The immense size, pace, and willingness to back innovation makes the US sports & entertainment sector an enormous market for innovators. Australians, like Americans, love their sport,” he said.
“This, coupled with Australia’s world-class IT expertise, creates a fantastic opportunity for Australian sportstech companies. MyVenue’s success is testament to the reality of this unique position.”
Adelaide-based software company Lumin Sports provides teams with one app to manage athletic performance, team operations, strength and conditioning, and medical administration, and is used by more than 250 teams around the world, including in Formula 1, Major League Rugby.
Lumin Sports CEO Ben Tripodi said more than 50 high-performance teams in the US are using the app, and they’re “only just getting started” there.
“The US market will be critical to our next stage of business growth, so we’re always looking for ways to maximise our reach,” he said.
“Any opportunity that allows us to connect with US customers is hugely important for our business, growing our global reputation, and underlining South Australia’s reputation has an innovation hub.”
The ASTN hosted the South Australian Sports Technology Showcase during Gather Round, featuring 10 other startups alongside Lumin and MyVenue – Cellr, Club Ducks, CME, CyberSolveIQ, Earthling, Go2Coach, Invictus, Rubber Side Down, Sportal and Your Brain Health – pitching to clubs, associations and sporting officials.
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