August 20, 2019
Sport tech startups invited to join FSL to workshop their innovations across Ryerson University and MLSE teams and venues
TORONTO, ON, August 20, 2019 – Ryerson University and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced today that they are now accepting applications for a second cohort of the Future of Sport Lab (FSL) incubator program. The inaugural cohort was given unprecedented access and mentorship that helped propel successful startups including The Gist, Spalk and Rival.ai.
FSL, an integrated academic partnership between Ryerson University and MLSE, opened in 2018 and was one of the first of its kind in North America. In addition to the functioning lab, FSL offers a custom incubator experience for startups and innovators. As Canada’s global leader in sport innovation, FSL offers dedicated mentorship, agile curricular programming, pilot projects and academic support through the incubator program.
FSL startups receive immersive programming in partnership with the Ted Rogers School of Business, direct guidance from notable mentors in the FSL network and access to leading academics, investors and advisors. The FSL does not require equity or founder relocation and does not constrain startups to specific sports or markets. FSL’s focus is on developing high-impact sport innovation underscored by research and mentorship.
As part of the selection process, a select group of startups will be invited to showcase their innovative technology and business in a Dragon’s Den style pitch session in front of 50+ of Canada’s top sport and tech leaders.
Upon selection, FSL’s second cohort startups will have the opportunity to workshop pilot products and services with MLSE brands, venues and their partners, participate in hackathons and innovation competitions as well as work with industry leaders to help grow their businesses. The cohort will be able to leverage the accessibility to top faculty, research, and institutional resources from across Ryerson University. FSL also provides access to sport industry research and insights and sport business education (including the new MBA Specialization in Sport Business), housed in the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University.
Sport tech startups and innovators representing all areas of the sport and entertainment landscape are encouraged to apply. Registration is open until September 30 at 12 p.m. (noon). Interested parties can visit www.futuresportlab.com/apply for more information.
“Ryerson and MLSE have created a wonderful environment for sport innovation and acceleration that will drive growth in the Canadian industry for years to come. I can’t wait to see what the next wave of innovators will bring to the Future of Sport Lab table.”
Brian Cooper
Chair, Future of Sport Lab
“The sport tech community in Canada is bustling with passion and innovation. We are thrilled that the Future of Sport Lab is helping to pave a foundation for continued innovation.”
Dr. Cheri L. Bradish
Founder/Managing Director, FSL
Ted Rogers Director of Sport Business Initiatives, TRSM
“Through the Future of Sport Lab we continue to establish Toronto as one of the best technology hubs in the world and showcase the amount of talent here.”
Humza Teherany
Chief Technology & Digital Officer, MLSE
“FSL has enabled us to move faster and develop meaningful business connections in the Canadian Sports Market. Spalk is a much stronger business for having participated in the program. I would highly recommend the Future of Sport Lab to any founder with growth ambitions."
Ben Reynolds
Founder, Spalk
FSL cohort alumnus
"We learned so much from being in the Future of Sports Lab incubator. It exposed us to all sides of the sports industry in Canada - from teams, to media, to brands - and helped us make meaningful connections with all of them. Our business also really benefitted from the mentors and the general FSL network that we were immediately connected to as being part of the incubator."
Ellen Hyslop
Co-founder, The GIST
FSL cohort alumnus
Future of Sport Lab (FSL) is a collaborative lab for sport innovation and research supported and co-managed by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), Canada’s preeminent leader of sport experiences, and Canada’s most vibrant educational institution, Ryerson University. FSL is Canada’s leader in sport innovation, creating a sport ecosystem anchored by innovation and entrepreneurship that will connect Canadian sport properties, industry partners, entrepreneurs, experts, faculty and students. FSL will foster innovative sport solutions and technologies as well as related insights and education across a variety of disciplines, from sport science to fan engagement.
For application information please visit futuresportlab.com
Greg McIsaac
Future of Sport Lab
Tel: (416) 458-3591
greg@junctioncommunications.com
Charzie Abendanio
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Tel: (416) 815-5455
charzie.abendanio@mlse.com
