NEOM Sport Open Innovation Program

OVERVIEW

The NEOM Sport Open Innovation Program Challenge aims to identify the most promising technological solutions that can revolutionize the NEOM sports industry, with a particular focus on NEOM Adventure Sport and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sports industry. The program will be centered around the sport ecosystem in NEOM, which is known for its exceptional opportunities in adventure sports, while also embracing other sporting domains.

This is a Scouting Challenge seeking a partner or supplier to provide systems or expertise to solve NEOM Sport’s business challenge; the Solver is invited to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by NEOM Sport with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

Up to 50.000 € is available to the winner for the development of a proof of concept (PoC) or project within NEOM and the opportunity to continue engaging in further potential commercial opportunities for the region's development.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (Arabic Standard Time) on October 12, 2023.

-For more information and details about submission, start solving now by entering the Challenge at NEOM Sport (sport-gsic.com).

ABOUT THE SEEKER & ELIGIBILITY

NEOM is a region in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NEOM means ‘new future’ and with more than 2,800 staff – from 86 countries – already living and working here onsite, it has already become a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new economic model for the country and the world.

NEOM is a place where innovation happens faster than anywhere else. Giving people the perfect environment to conceive and develop technology that’s simple, intuitive and enriches the human experience. Working in harmony with nature to enhance, liberate and empower people and serve humankind as a whole.

NEOM in partnership with Global Sport Innovation Center (GSIC) are launching the first edition of the NEOM Sports Open Innovation Program, to select four of the best sport-tech companies across the world, in two specific areas: Adventure Sports and AI.

THE CHALLENGE

Background

The program aims to identify the most promising technological solutions that can help solve the following;

NEOM Adventure Sports Challenges:

Challenge 1 - Pre-Experience and Post-Experience: This challenge aims to strike a balance between leveraging technology for enhancing the experience while respecting the fundamental aspect of adventure sports, which is to immerse oneself in nature and the physical environment. This is why NEOM’s is looking for innovative solutions to enhance the overall adventure sports experience by focusing on pre-experience and post-experience. This could include creating immersive pre-experience activities or virtual reality simulations, designing interactive post-experience platforms for sharing and reliving adventures, and developing innovative ways to engage and connect with adventure sports fans when the activity ends.

Challenge 2 - Capacity Building: Foster capacity building in the adventure sports industry by developing innovative programs, tools, or initiatives that promote skill development, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. This challenge could include creating online learning platforms, organizing training workshops and mentorship programs, or designing tools and resources to help adventure sports enthusiasts and professionals enhance their skills and expertise while developing local talent in the region.

Challenge 3 - Security Component: Create solutions that promote harmony with nature, in line with NEOM’s livability strategy, and ensure the safety and security of participants in adventure sports. This challenge could involve developing advanced safety equipment and technology, designing sustainable and eco-friendly adventure sports infrastructure, or implementing effective risk management strategies to minimize accidents and environmental impact.

Artificial Intelligence in the Sport Industry Challenges:

Challenge 4 - AI-Driven Sports Facilities Building: Develop AI-powered solutions to optimize the development and building of sports facilities across the NEOM region, with a focus on connectivity, construction efficiency, inclusivity, security, and livability, leveraging the potential of AI to enhance the overall sport infrastructure and create fan engagement and media solutions for athletes and visitors. Develop AI-powered solutions to optimize the development and building of sports facilities/infrastructure focusing on cognitive connectivity and security, inclusivity, livability and efficiency. Leverage the potential of AI to enhance the overall future infrastructure of sports facilities and create long-term engagement with residents, athletes and visitors by providing exceptional living experiences that meet NEOM’s objectives of providing sports facilities/venues within five to ten minutes of every citizen and encouraging them to be more physically activity by meeting their needs and goals/desires and dreams.

Challenge 5 - AI-Enhanced Pure High Performance: Utilize AI technologies and video tracking solutions to create an AI-driven living lab within NEOM Sport Club, focusing on high-performance sports, particularly football and team sports. The challenge is to leverage AI to analyze player data, enhance training methodologies, and provide personalized insights to optimize performance, foster innovation, and create a world-class sports environment within NEOM.

SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS & ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The following criteria, rated from 1 to 5 ( 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest) will be evaluated for the selection of participating projects in each of the stages of the process (verification of eligibility, evaluation and selection):

1. Innovation – the extent to which the submission is unique to, or adds value to, existing solutions.

2. Impact – the extent to which the submission demonstrates the potential to effect change.

3. Scalability – the extent to which the submission can scale and the potential to implement it internationally.

4. Maturity of the team, the organization and the stakeholders.

5. Sustainability – Social and Environmental sustainability of the project aligned with the sustainability agenda of the NEOM.

6. Business Model – Feasibility and economic sustainability of the project.

In the evaluation process, each judging criterion will carry an equal weight of 16.66%. This ensures a fair and balanced assessment of the projects based on their innovation, impact, scalability, maturity, sustainability, and business model.

YOUR SUBMISSION

-For more information and details about submission, start solving now by entering the Challenge at NEOM Sport (sport-gsic.com).

This is a Scouting Challenge seeking a partner or supplier to provide systems or expertise to solve NEOM Sport’s business challenge; the Solver is invited to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by NEOM Sport with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

Up to 50.000 € is available to the winner for the development of a proof of concept (PoC) or project within NEOM and the opportunity to continue engaging in further potential commercial opportunities for the region's development.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (Arabic Standard Time) on October 12, 2023.

After the Challenge submission due date, NEOM Sport will complete the review process and make a decision with regard to winners according to the timeline in the Challenge header. 

What is the Wazoku Crowd?

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