Andorra Research & Innovation, Andorra Business and the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft (GSIC), along with the support of SPSG Consulting, unite forces in order to identify disruptive solutions and the latest technologies from around the world per through a competition for startups in the following fields:
- Improvement in the security and accessibility of cycling itineraries.
- Improvement in sustainability and social impact of sporting events organized in the country.
- Improvement in fan and consumer implication and experience in sporting events organized in the country (before, during and after the event).
- Improvement in educational methods through gaming platforms.
- Collecting, visualization and analysis of data in order to create a 360º profile of users and tourists who visit Andorra.
The general director of GSIC powered by Microsoft, Iris Cordoba, stated “we hope that this open international call for innovation will help us to detect solutions and technologies such as client data platforms, data analysis or augmented reality. These types of solutions allow Andorra´s sports entities to connect with clients, know their preferences and, ultimately, contribute to Andorra´s economic growth, as well as continue to position the country on the map of innovative sports technology ecosystems”.
The Minister for Presidency, Economy and Enterprise, and president of Andorra Business, Jordi Gallardo, informed that “this second Edition will once again prove that working alongside some of the best professionals guarantees the objective of finding innovative solutions for de-seasonalizing Andorran sport, the tourism offer and, consequently, boost the country´s economy. All of this within some very clear premisses: sustainability, loyalty, security and the use of Big Data. As previously stated, our collaboration with Global Sports Innovation Center, is yet another step to position Andorra as an international reference in the industries of sport and innovation”.
In addition, Hermann Winkler, founder of Snow51 and winner of the Startups Challenge Andorra 2021, recalled that “winning the first Startups Challenge GSIC Andorra last year was a fabulous experience for our team at Snow51, and we were very proud and grateful to receive this prize from the minister. Above all the trip to Andorra gave us a great vision of this attractive sports destination; the meetings with the GSIC team and the Andorran representatives, as well as the exchanges with participating companies and startups were incredibly inspiring. I would like to encourage all ambitious startups to participate in the second edition. Without consideration towards the final result, you will surely benefit from these professional and motivating surroundings.”
Applications will be open from March 21st
Applications will be open from March 21st to May 1st 2022. Up to 10 projects/startups will be selected as finalists that will give online presentations. One will be selected as the winner and there will be two honorable mentions. Experts in the fields of technology, sport, business, innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and financing will analyze and deliberate on the winner.
The winner will be given the possibility of carrying out a pilot project with the interested parties in Andorra, participate in one of the sector´s events alongside Andorra Business, accommodation and meals and a five-day touristic visit of Andorra for two people , one year´s free subscription to the GSIC powered de Microsoft and one year´s free subscription to the Andorra Cluster. Furthermore, the winner and both honorable mentions will receive: Special mention in the Andorran Guide to Entrepreneurship and Investment in Sports published by GSIC in 2022, an hour-long mentoring session with a member of the jury and award giving in person during the Andorra Sports Innovation Summit.
GSIC
The Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft (GSIC) is a business cluster driven by Microsoft Sport Team made up of all types of sports entities (clubs, federations, associations), institutions, tech companies (from start-ups to companies), research organizations, investors and key figures within the sports industry to improve its value chain. Over 450 companies from 40 different countries have already received the support of GSIC through different activities, as well as that of their ambassadors and network of professionals from the sports industry.
