Lisbon, November 10, 2025 — IBM and Web Summit have announced the launch of the IBM & Web Summit Sports Tech Startup Challenge, a global initiative to identify and scale startups using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the sports industry. The competition will spotlight emerging technologies that enhance athlete performance, stadium operations, and fan engagement, with regional contests planned for Qatar, Vancouver, and Rio de Janeiro, culminating at Web Summit Lisbon 2026.
Under this new partnership, IBM will serve as the Official AI Partner for all Web Summit 2026 conferences, hosting activations and curated programs on AI and quantum innovation for enterprises.
Startups selected for the competition will pitch their AI-driven solutions before a panel of sports, tech, and venture capital leaders, including IBM executives and world-class athletes. Winners from regional rounds will advance to the global finale in Lisbon, where they will compete for a paid proof of concept worth up to $100,000, mentorship from IBM’s AI experts, and potential venture funding.
Emily Fontaine, Global Head of Venture Capital at IBM, said:
“We’ve spent decades redefining the way sports are played and experienced. This challenge fuses that legacy with the ingenuity of startups to create the next playbook for AI-driven growth in global sports.”
Kevin McDonald, Chief Commercial Officer at Web Summit, added:
“IBM has long been a trusted partner in showcasing innovation. Together, we aim to discover the next global success story—where AI meets the sports that inspire billions.”
Applications and eligibility details will be available through the Web Summit Startups portal, with each regional event adhering to local regulations.
