Football today represents more than a game of 22 players running after a ball; the societal significance of the modern sport cannot be overstated. In Germany alone, around 7.1 million people are members of football clubs, and within the last ten years German professional football has enjoyed an average annual growth of 8.6%.
This unwavering interest and huge growth potential is the reason why Werder Bremen – known for its ingenuity and creativity – decided to launch an initiative to change the future of football. With the help of betahausX – renowned for its global innovation startup programs – they brought the Werder Lab to life.
The Werder Lab is a global startup competition that will reimagine the way football clubs like Werder works with its athletes, fans and partners. Combining sports with technology, they aim to improve understanding and procedures around talent prediction, injury prevention, digital content management, and partner relationships.
The selection will take place on 6th March 2020 at betahaus | Berlin, and applications are open for startups and teams with prototypes or developed solutions. Up to ten applicants will be invited to present their ideas to a panel of experts representing Werder Bremen.
Three of the most promising solutions will shape their use case up during a 60 days incubation program in collaboration with Werder Bremen. The incubation program not only includes free workspace at betahaus | Berlin, and mentoring by industry experts from Werder Bremen and betahausX, but offer the startups exclusive access to data from professional players and football clubs. The real life sports environment will allow them to put their products to the acid test.
Another advantage for the winners will be gaining exposure and market access through the club’s marketing channels, access to a global network of Werder Bremen top management, and to the global betahaus startup community. Teams do not need to be based in Bremen or Berlin for the duration of the program.
The best ideas will not disappear into an innovation vacuum, but enjoy real impact with the help of one of Germany’s largest sports clubs. This unique competition also encourages startups to leverage innovative thinking to improve the quality of football across Europe.
For more information, visit the Werder Lab website here.
betahausX has 10 years experience in designing and delivering international startup competitions, hackathons, startup immersions and corporate accelerators. It is the daughter company of betahaus, one of Europe’s first coworking spaces. Leveraging on community power and know how on building strong global communities, betahausX provides access, strategic design, scouting and engagement for companies seeking to change and grow.
