To continue cultivating sports innovation talent and help promising sports-tech startups enter international markets, the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator launched its expanded Batch 3 program in 2026 with a Kickoff Bootcamp.
Supported by Ministry of Sports and implemented by the Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy (IAPS) at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, the program operates under the APEC Sports Policy Network (ASPN).
This year’s program received 86 applications from 27 countries and regions. Following the preliminary selection process, 33 startups representing 14 countries and regions advanced to the Kickoff Bootcamp. After a competitive evaluation, 21 startups were selected to officially join the three-month accelerator program.
Among the selected startups, nine are from Taiwan, while the international cohort includes teams from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Hungary, and other countries. The diverse lineup reflects ASPN’s growing role in connecting sports-tech innovation across the Asia-Pacific region and global markets.
- The ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator officially launched Batch 3, welcoming 21 startups to its three-month accelerator program.
Applications from 27 Countries and Regions Demonstrate ASPN’s Growing Global Reach
ASPN Batch 3 attracted 86 applications from 27 countries and regions. The proposed products and services span AI-powered sports data analytics, sports nutrition, simulation training, and a wide range of emerging sports technologies, reflecting the rapid digital transformation of the global sports industry.
Following multiple rounds of review, 33 startups were invited to the Kickoff Bootcamp to present their technologies, applications, and market expansion strategies to industry experts and judges.
Smart BikeHealth Kid, a startup from Mexico, traveled to Taiwan to deliver its pitch in person and compete for a place in the accelerator. Its participation highlighted the strong interest of international startups in Taiwan’s sports-tech resources and the global network offered by ASPN.
Through startup presentations, expert Q&A sessions, and comprehensive evaluations, the judging panel ultimately selected 21 startups with strong technological innovation, market potential, and international growth capabilities to join the program.
- Thirty-three startups from 14 countries and regions participated in the Kickoff Bootcamp and presented their innovations in sports technology.
- Mexican startup Smart BikeHealth Kid traveled to Taiwan to deliver its pitch and explore opportunities in Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific sports-tech market.
21 Sports-Tech Startups Selected, Including Nine Taiwanese Teams
Among the 21 selected startups, nine are from Taiwan. Their products cover AI-powered sports data analytics, sports nutrition, simulation training, and digital applications, demonstrating the diversity and vitality of Taiwan’s sports-tech innovation ecosystem.
The cohort also includes startups from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Hungary, and other countries. By bringing together teams from different markets and technology sectors, the program will facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange, technology collaboration, and business model validation while further expanding ASPN’s global sports innovation network.
Chang Chin-Wang, Director-General of the Department of International Affairs at the Ministry of Sports, noted that the Ministry has commissioned National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to implement the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator since 2018.
The program has helped promising sports-tech startups connect with international networks and explore overseas markets. Its accumulated achievements have also become an important factor in attracting startups from Taiwan and abroad.
In response to the rapid development of sports technology and AI applications, the Ministry of Sports expanded the program in 2026 and increased the cohort to 21 startups. The expanded program will enable more promising teams to access professional resources while increasing the global visibility of Taiwan’s sports innovation capabilities.
- Chang Chin-Wang, Director-General of the Department of International Affairs at the Ministry of Sports
- Batch 3 selected 21 sports-tech startups, including nine Taiwanese teams and startups from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Hungary, and other countries.
A Three-Month Accelerator Journey from Business Development to Global Expansion
The selected startups will participate in a three-month accelerator program offering professional courses, mentorship from local and international experts, business matchmaking, and market development resources.
Based on each startup’s development stage and market needs, ASPN will connect the teams with professionals from the sports industry, venture capital firms, corporations, and international innovation ecosystems. These resources will help the startups strengthen their business models, refine product positioning, improve fundraising pitches, and develop international expansion strategies.
The program will also help participating startups evaluate product–market fit and create opportunities to engage with potential customers, corporate partners, and investors.
The startups are scheduled to present their progress and market development plans at the ASPN Demo Day in September. Outstanding teams may also have opportunities to participate in leading international sports forums and exhibitions, including FIBO in Germany, SPORTEC in Japan, and the Asia Road Race Forum in Thailand.
The Ministry of Sports will also support connections with Taiwanese and international corporations, helping the startups pursue business partnerships, market validation opportunities, and global resources.
- Through professional training, mentorship, and business matchmaking, ASPN will help the selected startups strengthen their business models and international market strategies.
Connecting Global Sports-Tech Resources and Creating an International Platform for Innovation
For sports-tech startups, technological innovation is only the first step toward entering the market. Identifying suitable application environments, establishing cross-border partnerships, and adapting products and business models to different market needs are equally important to successful international expansion.
Through accelerator training, international exhibitions, corporate matchmaking, and its cross-border partner network, ASPN provides startups with comprehensive support covering talent development, technology validation, and market expansion.
In addition to expanding the size of the cohort, Batch 3 brings together Taiwanese and international startups to encourage cross-border technology exchange and business collaboration. The program will further strengthen Taiwan’s visibility and position within the global sports-tech ecosystem.
With the continued support of Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports, ASPN will deepen its partnerships with international sports organizations, corporations, investors, and innovation accelerators. These collaborations will help more Taiwanese sports-tech startups enter global markets while attracting international teams to establish partnerships with Taiwan’s sports industry.
- ASPN continues to connect global innovation resources and help sports-tech startups grow from Taiwan into international markets.