INTRODUCTION
Sport is more than a game; it’s a force for good. Tech365, part of the IOC’s Olympism365 Innovation Hub, is a first of its kind project dedicated to harnessing emerging technologies to accelerate sport’s positive contribution to society. By uniting the ingenuity of the tech world with the unifying power of sport, we are driving sustainable change and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WHO ARE WE
Tech365 brings together a diverse group of 25 entrepreneurs, technologists, and change-makers from 16 countries worldwide. Each member adds a unique perspective – from grassroots community leaders to tech startup founders. Together, we form a living laboratory of ideas and practices at the intersection of sport, technology, and sustainable development.
Girls First Initiative, Tanzania
A COLLABORATION FIRST MOVEMENT
The world is changing rapidly, and technology is moving fast. Tech365 chooses collaboration as its superpower to collectively advance understanding and testing of new technologies that have potential to disrupt and transform sport for the benefit of people, societies, and our planet. Collectively, Tech365 is working on innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and issues in sport and society.
Access to sport and physical activity
Inclusion of people with disabilities
Connecting people and enabling communities
Learning and development for coaches and volunteers
Impact measurement
Coach and referee credentials verification
Menstrual health awareness and resources
Nutrition and physical health
Mental health education and resources
Prevention and reduction of the impact of dementia and brain issues
Democratized talent identification
Financial literacy
Digital literacy
Employability
Gender equality and reduction of the digital gender gap
Women’s leadership
Renewable energy generation
Decentralised, participatory governance and decision-making
New funding routes for community sport
Immersive and interactive sports education
Event sustainability
Sustainability education and awareness
Sustainable and safe community sport facilities
Case Study
Bamako Technologie in Mali is solving for the country’s energy crisis with electricity-generating bikes, so that people can power their own energy, while at the same time keeping physically active.
Bamako Technologie, Mali
POWERED BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Emerging technologies are new or rapidly evolving innovations with the potential to transform how we live and work. We are committed to advancing the use of these technologies in sport to unlock new ways to address social challenges, reach more people, tailor experiences, and measure impact.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Simulation of human intelligence by machines (learning, decision-making).
Blockchain
Decentralised digital ledgers that securely and transparently record transactions.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Immersive technologies that create new virtual experiences or overlay digital information onto the real world.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Networks of connected sensors/devices that gather and exchange data automatically.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where sport and technology unite as forces for good on a global scale. In this future, innovations pioneered by Tech365 are adopted and scaled in all sports and regions, making sport more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
By 2030 and beyond, the idea of “tech for good in sport” will become standard practice – helping sport-based initiatives capitalize on the digital revolution to contribute significantly to global goals like health, education, equality, and peace.
Case Study: USA
Developing equity-first, blockchain-based sport innovations like credentialing, payments, and reverse hackathons for community sport.
HOW WE BRING THE VISION TO LIFE
Sharing expertise and experiences: We benefit from peer-led and external expert sessions. By sharing our insights and challenges candidly, we support each other to stay at the forefront of tech innovation and gain insights from existing solutions in the collective.
Networking: We hold virtual meetups, 1-2-1 speed dating, and Discord discussions to promote relationship building. Additionally, through the Olympism365 Innovation Hub network, our collective is connected into a global network across sport, technology, and social impact.
Pilot projects and incubation: Our collective acts as an incubator for pilot projects that test emerging technologies in real community sport settings. The collective is a safe space to experiment and take risks, as we document learnings to guide future efforts.
Open resources and storytelling: We are committed to sharing open-source tools and resources so others can learn and replicate our innovations. We highlight successes from the collective and beyond and are honest about what works (and what doesn’t). This transparency helps to build a global culture of learning and innovation.
Advocacy and engagement: We engage with the Olympic movement, sports stakeholders, the tech industry, NGOs, and policymakers in our respective regions to promote the adoption of emerging technologies and stay ahead of national regulations and agendas. By presenting evidence and success stories, we encourage investment in tech-enabled innovation and scale up of what works. Our collective advocacy helps shape a future in which embracing technology for social good becomes the norm in the sports world.
Case Study: France
Democratizing access to sports opportunities through an AI-powered platform that connects athletes with recruiters, making global scouting more inclusive and data-driven.
Sportiw
OUR DEFINITION OF INNOVATION
We believe innovation is delivered when a powerful idea that challenges the status quo, is tested, put into action, and developed to reach its full potential. Innovation is driven by bold creative culture and behaviors, data and insight, and intentional and diverse collaborations. Innovation overcomes barriers and meets unmet needs, and ultimately has the power to transform communities and systems across the world.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
We are guided by the following core principles, inspired by IOC Olympism365 values, to ensure we stay true to our mission and values:
Social impact first. Technology is a means, not an end. We start with a social need and ask how tech can help solve it, centring voices and decision-making with communities who know their needs best. Success is measured by positive outcomes for people and communities.
Inclusion and equity. We champion diversity and accessibility. Solutions are co-created with intergenerational voices from different genders, cultures, and abilities, and designed to be accessible (affordable, easy-to-use) so that marginalised groups are not left behind.
Collaboration and openness. We believe innovation happens through teamwork and shared knowledge. Our members collaborate across sectors and countries, and we openly share knowledge, insights, and tools. By working together transparently, we all move faster and further.
Sustainability and responsibility. We commit to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible innovation. Projects consider their environmental footprint (using green tech, minimising waste) and are built with long-term viability in mind. We strive for solutions that can sustain themselves and continue benefiting communities for years to come.
Integrity and ethics. In line with Olympic ideals, we uphold integrity and ethics in everything we do. Just as fair play is fundamental in sport, principles like data privacy, consent, and safeguarding are fundamental in our tech use. We maintain transparency in our actions and ensure our innovations respect the dignity and rights of all participants.
Case Study: Kenya
Expanding access to adaptive sport for people with disabilities through innovations like 3D-printed equipment and virtual games that combine inclusion with tech-enabled participation.
Tech365 Explore is a growing collaborative movement, and we invite everyone who shares our vision to be part of it.
Spread the word: Champion our mission by sharing this manifesto and our stories. Use your platforms to highlight the potential of technology in sport for good – whether that’s a conversation with colleagues or a post on social media.
Join our open source database: Add your project on our webpage - we are growing a global picture of how emerging technologies are transforming sport for people and the planet.
Partner with us: If you represent a sports organization, tech company, university, or foundation, consider partnering with Tech365. Work with us to advance thought leadership, pilot new solutions, mentor our innovators, or help fund and scale a breakthrough project. Together, we can amplify impact.
Keep us accountable: Follow our journey and keep us accountable - ask questions, offer feedback, and celebrate successes with us. Your engagement keeps us motivated and on track.