Let´s get you ready to start!

This program is focused on early-stage startups. SportUp Boost is the first step, focusing on product-market fit and direct networking for Flemish startups with an initial business model idea.

Every year, at least 10 sport startups are selected and supported on their way to turning their idea and/or prototype into a commercial opportunity. The support is offered during a period of 3 months (organized twice a year) with essential startup workshops and mentoring. The program will prepare you to apply for imec.istart.

price

750 euro (excl. VAT) for a team of max. 3 people

Duration

3 month program

investments

No equity

GIVE YOUR STARTUP A BOOST!
Apply now

HOW CAN SPORTUP BOOST HELP YOU?

Our customized program helps you to check and develop the feasibility of your business. Our approach is characterized by personal advice, hands-on feedback and an open network at your disposal.

PITCHING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Are you ready to rock?

TECH DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION

Is your product doing great things?

PRODUCT-MARKET FIT

Are you coming up with something people really want?

STARTUP ORGANIZATION

Is your team ready to take the next step?

BUSINESS MODELING

How are you going to make money?

DIGITAL MARKETING

Let's get it out there!

MEET YOUR COACHES

During the entire program, our coaches help you with the key aspects of your startup. They maximally target the program to your needs and attract specific expertise when needed. At SportUp, we almost become part of your team (while you remain in the driving seat).
kristof_small

Kristof De Mey

SportUp Program Manager

“I really believe in the fact that If you want to go fast, you have to go alone, but if you want to go far, you have to go together. So if you tell me your challenges and ambitions, I´m ready to start tackling them with you!”
bruno

Bruno D’Hulster

SportUp Innovation Manager

“A strong team sharing the same values, focusing on personal and common goals, being creative and pragmatic, and passionate about work and life adventures. Those teams can make innovation happen.”
nico

Nico Delleman

SportUp Innovation Manager

“Team and tempo matter most in startup success. Key to this is an efficient and effective human engine with the right partnerships.”
jorisfinck

Joris Finck

imec.livinglabs Innovation Manager

Innovation teams have a tough nut to crack by bringing their idea to life. This venture is frequently experienced as a ride on a rollercoaster. I strongly belief that a structured approach of conducting innovation management helps teams overcome challenges faster. I coach teams in applying this systematic approach.
aron-levi

Aron-levi Herregodts

SportUp Innovation Manager

SportUp helps startups with the development of technological solutions applicable to products and services, offering them expertise throughout the entire lifecycle of the innovation process. Aron-levi's main role in this program is offering guidance in developing a good scope and providing inspiration about Business Model Innovation.
michael

Michael van Lieshout

SportUp Innovation Manager

The true origin of a good solution lies in understanding the real problem. Empathy and love for what you are doing should be at the heart of everyone who wants to create value. Then comes hard work, perseverance, and willingness to learn.

"Compared to standard incubators and startup programs, the SportUp Boost program helps Dumble with sports industry specific obstacles & challenges yielding unexperienced improvements to the business model"

- Gert-Jan Plaisier - Dumble

How it all goes down
open call
1
SportUp Boost typically has a continuous open call throughout the year. Startups can ask for an intake meeting to see whether or not SportUp Boost (or Start) could be of help.
By the end of January and end of August, a team of professionals screens the submitted startup proposals and selects those that will move to the next stage. A wildcard is given to those with potentially high societal impact.
2
pre-selection
Jury pitch
3
The best teams will be invited to a pitching session to defend their plans. The jury will then decide which ones will take part in the 3-month program.
Now the real work can start! Thanks to the program, the selected startups will receive coaching & mentoring, workshops & guidance by domain experts.
4
Start program
Download the entire program

Who can apply?

ARE YOU A TECH ENTREPRENEUR WITH:
  • a focus on innovation in the domain of sport and physical activity (health, performance, media)?
  • international ambition?
  • preferably at least two team members who are product-oriented or market-oriented, and an additional team member oriented at operations and financials. (incomplete teams can be accepted)?
AND DO YOU HAVE:
  • a market-driven and possibly scalable product idea?
  • a product at concept stage or in prototype stage?
  • an initial business model idea?
  • full ownership of the innovation?

Do you fit the bill?

Apply now