AO StartUps to focus on AI technologies

AO StartUps has today opened applications for its final intake of 2025, focusing on AI companies ready to transform the global sports industry.

The pioneering sports and entertainment tech program is a core pillar of Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy – created to help startup companies accelerate their growth and pilot their cutting-edge technology.

Startups interested in applying for this current intake should demonstrate a strong potential to impact the global sports and entertainment sectors, with a particular emphasis on AI technologies.

"AI has the potential to revolutionise the way we experience sports and entertainment," Tennis Australia Director of Innovation Dr Machar Reid said.

"By harnessing the power of AI, we can create more personalised, engaging, and efficient experiences for fans and players alike.

“We are focused on supporting visionary founders who seek to challenge the status quo and make a global impact with new technologies that will elevate the event experience or drive the sport forward.”

A record 12 companies pioneering new player, fan and event technologies joined the program at AO 2025 – taking the AO StartUps portfolio to over 30 companies since the program’s inception.

Participating companies gain access to real-world testing environments at the Australian Open and other Tennis Australia events, along with mentorship, marketing and commercial pathways through a global sports tech network.

Successful companies are also considered for future investment via AO Ventures – the official VC arm of the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.

Early-stage tech companies have until 30 November 2025 to apply.

Visit aostartups.ausopen.com to learn more and apply.

Further announcements will be made on AO StartUps in the leadup to AO 2026.

About AO StartUps

AO StartUps is the latest step in Tennis Australia’s innovation and venture capital strategy which helps startup companies pilot their cutting-edge technology at the AO and other areas of Tennis Australia’s business.

Companies participating in AO StartUps are provided the opportunity to prove their business models in real time and directly access proprietary intel and exposure at one of the world’s largest sport and entertainment events. It has been designed to extract maximum value for the startup, streamline corporate processes that can often stifle innovating at speed, and provide an opportunity for investment via Tennis Australia’s venture capital fund, Wildcard Ventures.

The creation of AO StartUps follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund, Wildcard Ventures, and its multi-year partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars.

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