Sports. Elevated.
Sport’s innovation economy has matured. The 2026 shortlist for The Smarter Sports Awards, formerly The Sports Technology Awards, makes that clear.
This year’s field spans global technology leaders, elite teams and federations, specialist engineering firms, venture backed scale-ups and start-ups already embedded at the top of competition. Consequently, brands like Apple, AWS and Google appear alongside younger companies influencing performance, broadcast and fan engagement inside major leagues and competitions.
The Awards’ evolution reflects that of the sports sector. Innovation in sport has travelled well beyond software, data and digital platforms, now influencing engineering, manufacture, biomechanics and design. The 2026 categories recognize that shift.
The New Smarter Categories
Performance Intelligence
Data and Analytics Technology
AI in Sport
Coaching Systems
Ball and Racquet Innovation
Athletics and Aquatics Innovation
Female Athlete Innovation
Motorsport Technology
Venue and Infrastructure Innovation Sports
Broadcast and Production
Immersive Sports Experiences
Fan Platforms and Communities
Fan Intelligence and Personalization
Strategic Partnership Sports
Start Up of the Year
Innovation of the Year The Judges’ Award
The shortlist was determined in a judging effort that exceeded 300 hours by an international panel that featured elite athletes and coaches, technology leaders and brand experts. The result are finalists that reflect how modern sport is being reshaped across performance, operations and commercial strategy.
The Ceremony will be streamed live from London on 13 May in front of a select studio audience.
Full shortlist: https://sportstechgroup.org/smarter-sports-awards/shortlist/
Media enquiries: info@sportstechgroup.org
