AI Solutions for Sports

AI Solutions for Sports is sponsored by NASSCOM AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE). This program seeks innovative AI and deep-tech startups to deploy cutting-edge solutions within India's sports sector.

AI Solutions for Sports by NASSCOM AI CoE | Apply Now NASSCOM AI CoE invites AI and deep-tech startups with working products or validated prototypes to deploy innovative solutions in the sports sector across five key areas.

Funding amount Varies by program Provider NASSCOM (NGO/Foundation) Application deadline Rolling Location Open to startups registered in India The NASSCOM AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) is a collaborative initiative backed by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), NASSCOM, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and Microsoft.

This program seeks to identify and onboard cutting-edge AI and deep-tech startups for deployment in India's sports sector. The goal is to infuse advanced AI capabilities into areas like athletic development, performance optimization, and intelligent management of sports infrastructure.

By providing a direct pathway for deep-tech innovators to secure government-scale deployment opportunities, the initiative helps overcome common market access challenges. Selected startups also benefit from mentorship, networking, and structured engagement with the AI CoE team.

The program focuses on five priority areas: Athlete Performance Analytics & Injury Prevention (using wearables and biomechanics), Athlete Lifecycle Management (data platforms and talent pipeline), Coach Intelligence & Video Analysis (computer vision and AI-assisted coaching), Smart Venue & Facility Management (operational efficiency), and Sports Medicine & Health Monitoring (AI for health screening and injury prediction).

Startups with solutions addressing one or more of these areas are encouraged to apply. Deployment opportunities in the Sports sector Structured engagement with NASSCOM AI CoE Focus on AI and Deep-tech solutions Access to government-scale pilots For working products or validated prototypes This program is open to AI and deep-tech startups that have moved beyond the ideation phase.

Your startup must have a working product or a validated prototype . The solution should address one or more of the five priority areas in the sports sector (Athlete Performance Analytics & Injury Prevention, Athlete Lifecycle Management, Coach Intelligence & Video Analysis, Smart Venue & Facility Management, Sports Medicine & Health Monitoring).

There are no restrictions on stage, industry, state, entity type, or DPIIT/MSME registration. Founder requirements are not specified. AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence is open to startups at any stage.

It is open to startups registered anywhere in India. Location Open to startups registered in India AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

The program offers accelerated market access and real-world deployment within the Indian sports sector. Selected startups receive structured engagement with the NASSCOM AI CoE team, facilitating connections with government bodies and industry stakeholders. This can lead to government-scale pilot opportunities , enabling startups to validate their solutions on a significant scale.

Additionally, startups gain mentorship from AI and sports industry experts, along with networking opportunities to build strategic partnerships. No direct financial grants, equity investment , or cash prizes are provided. AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence is offered by NASSCOM , a non-profit foundation.

It is delivered directly by NASSCOM as a grant . You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying. Applications are submitted on the official portal .

Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start. The selection process is multi-stage and conducted by the NASSCOM AI CoE team. First, all submitted Expressions of Interest are screened for eligibility, including AI/deep-tech focus and the existence of a working product or validated prototype.

Applications are assessed for alignment with the five priority areas and potential impact. A dedicated committee of experts from NASSCOM, MeitY, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and Microsoft reviews these applications. Shortlisted startups are then invited to a structured engagement phase, which may include detailed presentations, interviews, and technical deep-dives to evaluate viability and scalability.

Final selections are based on suitability for deployment and collaboration within the Indian sports ecosystem.

Before you apply to AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence, keep the following documents ready: A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction Company registration documents and PAN Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles Recent financial statements or projections Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Frequently asked questions What is the NASSCOM AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE)? + The AI CoE is a collaborative initiative established by MeitY, NASSCOM, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and Microsoft. Its mission is to foster innovation, research, and deployment of AI and deep-tech solutions across various sectors, with a current focus on transforming the sports industry in India.

What startups are eligible to apply? + This program is specifically for AI and deep-tech startups that have a working product or a validated prototype. Your solution must address one or more of the five priority areas in the sports sector.

There are no restrictions on stage, industry, state, or entity type, and DPIIT/MSME registration is not required. What are the five priority areas for AI solutions in sports?

+ The program seeks solutions in: 1) Athlete Performance Analytics & Injury Prevention (using wearables and biomechanics), 2) Athlete Lifecycle Management (data platforms and talent pipeline), 3) Coach Intelligence & Video Analysis (computer vision and AI-assisted coaching), 4) Smart Venue & Facility Management (operational efficiency), and 5) Sports Medicine & Health Monitoring (AI for health screening and injury prediction).

Is there any direct funding or grant provided? + No, the program does not offer direct financial grants or investments. The primary focus is on market access, structured engagement, and deployment opportunities.

Startups benefit from mentorship, networking, and potential government-scale pilots, which can lead to commercial opportunities. How do I apply for this program? + You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through a dedicated Microsoft Forms link available on the official NASSCOM AI CoE program page.

The form requires details about your startup, your solution, its relevance to sports, and the maturity level of your product or prototype. What happens after I submit the EOI? + Your application will be screened by the AI CoE team for eligibility and alignment.

Shortlisted startups will be contacted for a structured engagement, which may include presentations, interviews, and technical discussions to further evaluate viability and scalability. Does the program take equity? + No, the program does not take equity.

It is a grant-based initiative providing non-dilutive support in the form of market access, mentorship, and deployment opportunities. Are there any costs to apply or participate? + The source does not mention any application or participation fees.

Typically, such government-supported programs do not charge fees, but you should confirm on the official application page. What is the deadline for applications? + The program has a rolling or always-open deadline, meaning you can apply at any time.

However, specific intake cycles may be determined by the AI CoE team. Is DPIIT recognition required for AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence? + No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Who offers AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence? + AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence is offered by NASSCOM, a non-profit foundation. It is provided as non-dilutive funding .

More funding from NASSCOM NASSCOM runs 2 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply. NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI Gurugram Incubation Program Varies Zero-equity incubation for IoT and AI startups in Gurugram with subsidized infrastructure, GPU access, and enterprise collaboration.

Rolling Grant Nasscom Deeptech Club Launchpad Incubation Program Varies Virtual deeptech incubation with mentorship, IP/GTM masterclasses, and investor connects for TRL 5+ startups. Rolling Grant All programs by NASSCOM → Alternatives to AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence Not sure AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence is the right fit, or already applied?

These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it. Scheme for assistance for Startups/ Innovation – Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 ₹30L Government of Gujarat provides grants up to ₹30L for startups based in the state.

Rolling Grant S&T-PRISM (Promotion of Research and Innovation in Startups and MSMEs in Mining, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy and Recycling Sector) ₹2Cr S&T-PRISM offers grants up to ₹2Cr for startups and MSMEs in mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, and recycling to turn research into prototypes.

Rolling Grant Domain-specific Centres of Excellence Varies Government initiative by MeitY to nurture deep tech startups through specialized support centers. Rolling Grant SAMRIDH Accelerator Program at IIMA Ventures ₹40L 6-month accelerator for early-stage tech startups offering grant funding of up to ₹40L, along with mentorship, pilot opportunities, and service credits worth $500K+.

Rolling Grant Ask anything about eligibility, documents or the process — answered by the community. Ask question No questions yet — be the first to ask.