Sport tech startups invited to apply to join the Future of Sport Lab to accelerate their businesses

Future of Sport Lab Celebrates 10 Years of SportsTech Innovation with the Launch of its 2025 Cohort

Media Contact:
Greg McIsaac
Future of Sport Lab
Tel: (416) 458-3591
Email: greg@junctioncommunications.com

The Future of Sport Lab proudly celebrates its 10th year of driving sportstech innovation with the launch of its 2025 Canadian sport incubator program. Sport tech startups are now invited to apply to join the acclaimed program at futuresportlab.com.

Since its debut in 2015 with support from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) a host of industry partners including Rogers Communications Inc., Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) and the DMZ, the Future of Sport Lab has become Canada’s premier global destination for sports startups to accelerate their business – delivering agile programming, industry pilot projects, and academic insights. To date, Future of Sport Lab has supported 24 startups that have collectively raised more than $100 million in funding while securing significant partnerships within the sports and entertainment industries.

Future of Sport Lab alumni include successful sport technology companies such as Spalk, Zone7, BookSeats, ProWire, and The GIST— all of which have set new standards for innovation in the sports industry. The Future of Sport Lab is supported by an exceptional roster of more than 20 senior industry advisors representing a diverse range of leading sports organizations and stakeholders.

Led by its Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Cheri Bradish, the cornerstone of the Future of Sport Lab is its unparalleled access to mentorship from industry leaders, academics, and investors across the Canadian sports ecosystem. Future of Sport Lab also delivers complementary sport business programming in collaboration with the Ted Rogers School of Management.

In addition, FSL’s Foundational partner, Relay Ventures, a leading Canadian venture capital firm and strategic partner has committed to invest in and partner with select companies from each Future of Sport Lab cohort, creating a pathway for entrepreneurs in the dynamic sports technology industry.

Future of Sport Lab Highlights:

• Exclusive Networking: Startups gain access to Future of Sport Lab’s extensive sports and entertainment network.

• Hands-On Learning: Custom programming powered by DMZ to address key challenges in sports technology and business.

• FSL Summit: The program culminates in a pitch demo day, taking place at DMZ’s HQ downtown Toronto, which will bring together Canada’s top Sports Tech leaders and investors.

• Investment Opportunities: Participants benefit from partnerships with leading venture capital firms, including Relay Ventures and DMZ Ventures, to secure funding and accelerate growth.

• Diversity of Program Offerings: In addition to its core programming, FSL is pleased to be supporting both a Female Founders initiative and an Athlete Entrepreneurship program in it’s upcoming cohort.

Applications Now Open: Registration for the 2025 cohort is open until March 3, 2025. SportsTech startups and innovators from all areas of the sports and entertainment landscape are encouraged to apply. To apply, visit futuresportlab.com/apply.

Quotes:
“Over the past decade, our Future of Sport Lab community has cultivated an inspiring environment for sport innovation, driving remarkable social and economic growth in Canada’s sportstech sector. It has been wonderful to see our startups make such a huge impact on the Canadian and global sport ecosystem. From groundbreaking ideas to transformative partnerships, the passion and ingenuity of these entrepreneurs continue to amaze me, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Brian Cooper, Chair, Future of Sport Lab.

“We began this sport tech journey 10 years ago, and I am continually amazed by the overwhelming support and encouragement from across the sports landscape. Witnessing the evolution of the Future of Sport Lab and the incredible achievements of our alumni has been a truly rewarding experience. As we embark on an exciting new era for sport—driven by advancements in AI technology transforming fan engagement, broadcast, performance, and analytics—I am filled with anticipation to see the creativity, determination, and groundbreaking ideas that the next wave of innovators will bring to life.”
Dr. Cheri L. Bradish, Founder and Managing Director, Future of Sport Lab.

"After an amazing first cohort as a partner with the Future of Sport Lab, we're excited to double down and support the 2025 FSL cohort! We continue to be bullish on sports & sports-adjacent businesses and are looking forward to working closely with innovative startups on the frontier of innovation."
Simon Sokol, Vice President, Relay Ventures

About Future of Sport Lab
The Future of Sport Lab (FSL) is a collaborative lab for sport innovation first established by Toronto Metropolitan University and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) with support from DMZ. FSL is widely recognized as Canada’s global leader in sport innovation, creating an ecosystem that connects sport properties, industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders and scholars. Supported by an unmatched network of more than 20 senior industry advisors from leading sport organizations and stakeholders, FSL has fostered a number of diverse innovative sport solutions and technologies as well as related insights and education, and to date, startups through the program have raised over $100 million in new financing and investments along with securing a number of significant sport business partnerships.

Relay Ventures
Relay Ventures, founded in 2008, is one of Canada’s leading independent VC fund managers. The Firm is presently investing out of its fifth fund which commenced in 2022. It has invested in more than 130 companies and successfully exited more than half through M&A and IPO. The Firm has a team of 20 professionals with offices in Toronto, Calgary, and San Francisco.

About the DMZ
DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact. To date, DMZ has supported 1800+ startups in raising $2.78 billion in capital and has created over 25,000 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 10+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.

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