The purpose of this summit has been to bring together like-minded people and connect around ideas that drive our industry forward. We explored diverse conversations around fan engagement, sustainability, sports betting, investment, esports, and equity that showcasing the vast potential for innovation.

Rice University is awarding an $800,000 grant over three years to DivInc to fund the operation of accelerators designed to support diverse founders building innovative startups shaping the technology of tomorrow. The grant supports DivInc’s mission to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship and address the capital gap to produce thriving startup companies’ success and will provide funding for the company to operate a number of accelerators.

DivInc, a nonprofit focused on aiding the growth of diverse founders, began its 2024 Sports Tech Accelerator with a cohort of 10 companies on Monday. The Houston-based, 12-week hybrid program includes Underdog Venture Team, The Collectiv and HTX Sports Tech as strategic partners.

Are you a sports industry leader looking to mentor the next generation of early-stage founders driving innovation across human performance, fan experience, media, and NIL?

DivInc, the premier accelerator program for underrepresented founders (women, Black, and Latino), seeks mentors for its upcoming Sports Tech Accelerator.

Strategic partners include underdog venture team, HTX Sports Tech, and The Collectiv, a recently launched sports-tech venture-capital fund.

Join committed leaders from the Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Texans, San Antonio Spurs, Sportradar, nVenue, leAD, Drive by DraftKings, WiST, Texas A&M Athletics, among others, who will provide mentorship and facilitate workshops.

Learn more about the cohort and DivInc’s commitment to empowering underrepresented founders through resources, community, and connections that are shaping the future of sports.

DivInc has selected 10 companies to join its Spring 2024 Sports Tech Accelerator, attempting to tap into a broadening market of sports technology.

DivInc has named its latest sports tech-focused cohort of its hybrid accelerator that is housed out of the Ion.

The Sports Tech Accelerator has selected the 10 companies — with technology across human performance, fan experience, and more — for its 13th cohort to participate in the 12-week hybrid program this month and through July.

The program receives support from underdog venture team, Women In Sports Tech, The Collectiv, and HTX Sports Tech, with partners Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Gunderson Dettmer, Brown Advisory, Ion, and Mercury.

DivInc’s Sports Tech Accelerator supports startups using technology to drive innovation across human performance, fan experience, future of media, and NIL (name, image, and likeness).

10 startups will take part in the 12-week hybrid program which will run from April through July 2024. In-person programming will be hosted at the Ion, the center of Houston’s innovation corridor.

Thrilled to announce the first round of incredible speakers gracing the stage at the upcoming Sports Innovation Summit at Ford Field, July 16-18 presented by HTX Sports Tech!

• Ashley DeWalt, Managing Partner, The Collectiv

• Jeremy Jones, CRO, nVenue

• Jeron Peoples, Head of Strategy & Business Development, Sports Tech HQ

• Wendy Rentschler, Global Head of Corporate Citizenship and Impact, BMC Software

• Dr. Christyna Serrano, Changemaker Professional Faculty, Cal Berkeley

At the forefront of the sports and technology industries, two other game changers leading the way promoting increased representation, supporting ownership through entrepreneurship and tech ecosystem development, and investing in venture capital at that intersection of sports and tech. Creating a more equitable future in the sports industry to be more active players off the field. Blavity Inc. + AFROTECH, thanks for the opportunity to kick off the Sports Summit!

As Australia’s sports tech industry continues to expand and businesses look to scale, the United States (US) provides not only expansion opportunities, but a potential blueprint for the industry.

Being such a dynamic ecosystem that brings together sports, technology, entertainment, data analytics, and wellbeing, there is real value to be gained by looking beyond our borders and to enhance the overall experience for the community, athletes, teams, and fans alike.

Recap of the 2023 Sports Innovation Summit from Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.

HTX Sports Tech leading session during AfroTech Conference