beIN Media Group, the leading sports, media and entertainment group (beIN), has signed a partnership with Qatar SportsTech, the Doha-based sports industry start-up incubator (QST), to support the global sports industry’s most pioneering projects.
beIN and QST will work together to meet the demands of the ever-evolving sports industry, and provide innovative start-ups with the vital mentoring, funding and networking opportunities needed to grow and reach the next stage of development.
beIN joins other prestigious partners including Qatar Development Bank, the Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Financial Center, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Aspire Zone Foundation. QST is powered by Startupbootcamp, the world’s largest network of innovation programs having accelerated more than 700 startups world-wide.
The new partnership will give QST access to beIN’s worldwide network, with the company currently operating across five continents and 43 countries. In return, beIN’s investment will give the group access to the latest products and innovative ideas in sports.
Yousef Al Obaidly, CEO of beIN Media Group, said: “beIN Media Group is committed to providing its customers with the best possible viewing experience, and to do so we always want to be at the forefront of new and emerging technologies and innovations. QST is a brilliant initiative that gives creative ideas the space and support that they need to grow, and we’re excited about the opportunities that this partnership will bring for the international start-ups taking part and for our company and its customers around the world.”
QST selects 10 start-ups every nine months (one cycle), who undergo an intensive three-month program that provides one-on-one mentorship, seed funding, day-to-day logistics and direct access to a highly international network of investors and corporate partners from all corners of the sports industry.
After three months of intense acceleration and development at the Aspire Zone in Doha, the first cycle concluded on May 2 with an exclusive Demo Day event at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. QST attracted high-growth, international teams from seven different nationalities and showcased solutions ranging from wearables & equipment, fan engagement & experience, sports medical, e-sports, sports culture, sports tourism, team performance & analytics, and venue optimization.
Koen Bosma, Managing Director for Qatar SportsTech, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with beIN Media Group, a global leader in sports media with an unparalleled international network. Adding one of the most innovative sports broadcasters as a partner strengthens Qatar SportsTech’s dominant position on a global scale. With the support of beIN, we will provide enrolling sports tech startups with world-class talent, network, and mentorship in both sports and entertainment while furthering Doha as a leading sports tech capital.”
