Test Your Sports-Tech Innovation at
EXACT Sports Events

Deploy, Validate, and Optimize Your Solution in a Live Event Environment —Completely Free

Soccer

Who Are We

The Innovation Playground is a pilot initiative designed to bring cutting-edge sports-tech solutions directly onto our fields and courts—transforming each event into a living laboratory of athlete experience, operational efficiency, and audience engagement

Sports Offered

Prove Your Product / Service through our Users

image

Real-World Validation

Test reliability and performance under live camp conditions; applicants arrange their own infrastructure but gain insights into operational fit .

image

Actionable Feedback

Collect structured survey responses from athletes, coaches, and staff immediately after demos (surveys tagged to each technology)

image

Debrief & Insights

Within 72 hours of camp close, hold a 30-min debrief with ops and innovators; marketing publishes podcast and recap reels within one week.

image

Targeted Exposure

Showcase your solution to athletes, coaches, and staff; co-branding with EXACT builds credibility.

image

Networking Opportunities

Connect with EXACT’s network of coaches and industry contacts for potential partnerships or next-stage pilots.

How the Program Works

1

Recruit & Select

Startups complete a short survey and submit a pitch video outlining why their technology is helpful to athletes. The Innovation Playground Lead ranks entries on athlete value, operational fit, and storytelling potential.

2

Pre-Event Prep

Innovators supply a setup guide and a video walkthrough of the demo. During each camp’s operations call, innovators will brief staff on their product, demo process, data flows, and athlete touchpoints. Marketing schedules 15-minute podcast interviews and drafts social-media templates.

3

ON-SITE EXECUTION

Demos run for a total of one hour during the camp. Additional demos can run from field-side kiosks near check-in or warm-up areas, ensuring athletes and parents can engage during natural downtime without disrupting drills.

4

Post-Event Follow-Up

Athletes, coaches, and staff complete a survey tagged to each technology. Within 72 hours of camp close, the operations team and innovators hold a 30-minute debrief meeting to discuss how the demo went and what could be improved. Marketing publishes podcast episodes and recap reels within one week.

Real Athletes. Real Training. Real Insights.

image

Supporting Sections

State of Requirements

Innovators must be offer sports-related technologies designed for athletes in grades 6–12. Your solution should integrate seamlessly into live camp flow, operating reliably during a dedicated 30-minute or 60-minute demo slot at each event. These requirements ensure that demos run smoothly without disrupting camp activities, while providing a true test of your technology in an authentic sports environment.

Selection Criteria

Our selection process evaluates each application holistically on three core dimensions: the value your technology delivers to athletes, its operational feasibility within our camp environment, and the strength of your storytelling to convey impact. We assess how effectively your solution enhances athlete experience and integrates seamlessly with camp schedules and logistics. We look for compelling narratives that demonstrate real-world benefits, helping us connect innovators with coaches, families, and our broader community. Ultimately, we seek technologies that not only perform reliably on the field but also inspire and engage participants through clear, impactful story telling.


Innovation Playground Application

Innovation Playground Application

Please share your organization's details

Please review and complete all sections below for consideration.
4.

Main Point of Contact

*This question is required.