New Delhi/Chennai: The IIT Madras' "Sports Tech Start-Up Conclave," a pioneering event, commenced in New Delhi on July 12, 2024.

This two-day conclave, organized by the IIT Madras Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), aims to advance indigenization and technology in the sports sector, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Sponsored by Dream Sports, Vedanta, and SFA Play, the event seeks to boost Deep Tech start-ups in sports by providing investment support to shortlisted companies.

Mrs. Sujata Chaturvedi, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Government of India, inaugurated the session, highlighting India's goal to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and the need for collective effort to make India a sporting giant. She emphasized the importance of innovation and indigenous technology in sports, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Brig. Dr. Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Director in-charge and Head of the National Centre for Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR), discussed the Government of India's initiatives to support high-performing athletes through education, research, and innovation, with a budget of Rs. 260 crore highlighting IIT Madras CESSA's role in showcasing advancements in sports technology and products to drive sporting excellence in India.

Selected sports tech start-ups presented their ideas to a panel of judges, with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies providing funding and incubation support.

IIT Madras plans to support 200 sports tech start-ups over the next five years.

The conclave also featured the unveiling of "EduSwasth," a tech intervention in school physical education, aiming to monitor and analyze student performance using innovative IP hardware solutions and IoT devices.

Panel discussions covered enhancing athlete performance with technology, sports nutrition, grassroots sports support, and opportunities for sports tech start-ups.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) and Head of CESSA, emphasized the importance of this conclave in fostering sports sector innovation and supporting India's global sporting aspirations.