AI Solutions for Sports - AI Center of Excellence
By NASSCOM
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Quick Answer
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.
About this grant
The NASSCOM AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE), a pivotal collaborative initiative supported by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), NASSCOM, the Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and industry giant Microsoft, is actively seeking innovative AI and deep-tech startups. This strategic program is designed to identify and onboard cutting-edge solutions for deployment within India's dynamic sports sector. The primary objective is to infuse advanced AI capabilities across critical facets of sports, ranging from athletic development and performance optimization to the intelligent management of sports infrastructure. By offering a direct pathway for deep-tech innovators, AI CoE aims to overcome the common challenge faced by startups in securing government-scale deployment opportunities. This initiative not only provides invaluable market access but also fosters a rich environment for collaboration, enabling startups to refine and scale their solutions with expert guidance, thereby contributing significantly to the modernization and technological advancement of Indian sports.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) is India's largest technology trade body, representing over 3,000 member companies in the IT-BPM sector. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, NASSCOM has been a driving force behind…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
- Market access in sports sector: Deployment opportunity within sports academies, stadiums, and athlete training programmes.
- Technology validation: Real-world testing with athletes, coaches, and sports scientists to refine your solution.
- Industry partnerships: Access to NASSCOM CoE's network of sports federations, corporates, and government bodies.
- Mentorship and networking: Guidance from domain experts in AI, sports technology, and business scaling.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the AI Solutions for Sports program involves a multi-stage evaluation by the NASSCOM AI CoE team. Initially, all submitted Expressions of Interest are thoroughly screened for eligibility criteria, including the focus on AI/deep-tech and the existence of a working product or validated prototype. Applications are also assessed based on their alignment with the identified priority areas within the sports sector and the potential impact of their proposed solutions. A dedicated committee comprising experts from NASSCOM, MeitY, Department of Science & Technology (Government of Gujarat), and Microsoft will review these applications. Shortlisted startups will then be invited to participate in a structured engagement phase, which may include detailed presentations, interviews, and technical deep-dives to further evaluate the viability and scalability of their solutions. The final selection aims to identify startups best positioned for successful deployment and collaboration within the Indian sports ecosystem.
Application Process
- 1
Express Interest
Submit your application via Microsoft Forms with details of your solution.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
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 Artificial Intelligence and deep-tech solutions across various critical sectors, with a current focus on transforming the sports industry in India through technological advancements and strategic partnerships.
What specific types of startups are eligible to apply for this program?
This program is specifically designed for AI and deep-tech startups. A key eligibility criterion is that the startup must have moved beyond the ideation phase and possess either a working product or a thoroughly validated prototype. The solutions should directly address one or more of the five outlined priority areas within the sports sector.
Can you elaborate on the five priority areas for AI solutions in sports?
Certainly. The program seeks solutions in: 1) Athlete Performance Analytics & Injury Prevention, utilizing wearables and biomechanics; 2) Athlete Lifecycle Management, focusing on data platforms and talent pipeline; 3) Coach Intelligence & Video Analysis, through computer vision and AI-assisted coaching; 4) Smart Venue & Facility Management, for operational efficiency; and 5) Sports Medicine & Health Monitoring, leveraging AI for health screening and injury prediction.
Is there any direct financial investment or grant associated with this program?
The primary focus of this initiative is to provide market access, structured engagement, and deployment opportunities for innovative AI solutions within the Indian sports sector, rather than direct financial grants or investments. Startups will benefit from strategic support, mentorship, and potential government-scale pilots, which can lead to commercial opportunities, but no upfront cash prize or equity investment is explicitly stated.
What is the application process and how do I express my interest?
Interested startups are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through a dedicated Microsoft Forms link, which can be found on the official NASSCOM AI CoE website for this program. The EOI form will request details about your startup, your solution, its relevance to the sports sector, and the current maturity level of your product or prototype.
What kind of support can selected startups expect from the AI CoE?
Selected startups will be invited for a structured engagement with the NASSCOM AI CoE team. This engagement will provide opportunities for strategic discussions, potential pilot deployments at government scale, mentorship from industry experts, and invaluable networking with key stakeholders in the sports and technology ecosystem. The goal is to facilitate the successful integration and scaling of AI solutions.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
