Having traveled the world through sport, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing connection between sports, business, and technology. From early days of data collection for personal performance analysis to today’s cutting-edge sports recovery facilities in the world’s leading countries, it’s clear that advancements in sports tech at the highest levels inevitably filter down to benefit society as a whole.
Swansea University‘s development in this space is the National Network for Innovation in Sport and Health. This initiative aims to create a hub where organisations in the technology and healthcare sectors can collaborate. The goal is simple but impactful: to strengthen the connections between academia, industry, and the NHS to improve health and wellbeing.
The potential benefits to the local community are vast, and I’m personally hugely passionate about the positive impact the Network can have on local startups, SMEs, and established businesses in the region and across the UK. These businesses can leverage the state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with academics and healthcare professionals. Network membership provides access to primary health services and university resources, creating a unique environment for innovation and growth.
The Network also presents a fantastic opportunity for postgraduate students and new graduates. Through this network, graduates can transition their academic achievements gained at Swansea University (and beyond) into real-world business opportunities. By engaging with industry professionals and harvesting ideas together, students can gain valuable insights and experiences that bridge the gap between academia and business. While this may sound ambitious, with the energy and resources within the Network, we are already attracting large multinationals eager to establish themselves in this innovative space.
On a greater scale, we aim to make a lasting impact by developing programs for schools in Swansea and the surrounding areas to help educate the future demographic. These programs will focus on health and wellbeing, covering essential topics such as nutrition and regular physical activity, and provide participants with the skills needed to make informed life choices.
As a Swansea native, it’s exciting to see Swansea University at the forefront of the sports tech industry. The University’s reputation for teaching and research, combined with its growing investment in sport, positions it – and the region – as a significant player in this evolving field. The potential for growth and innovation is enormous, and I’m thrilled to see what the future holds for our Network, and the wider sports-tech and med-tech fields.
No comment yet, add your voice below!