Arizona Coyotes and Global Sport Institute Launch New Venture Challenge

Tempe, Arizona - The Arizona Coyotes, the Global Sport Institute, and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University, have announced a new initiative — the Arizona Coyotes Venture Challenge.  

The Arizona Coyotes Venture Challenge will help establish new and innovative sport concepts that can be launched, piloted, and scaled within the Coyotes’ various facilities. This program will provide a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs while keeping the Coyotes on the forefront of new sport-related innovation. The call for applications will open in July 2021 and culminate with a live pitch competition in early December 2021 at ASU Demo Day.

“We are honored to partner with the Global Sport Institute and Arizona State University to support ASU students, faculty and community-based entrepreneurs with the Coyotes Venture Challenge,” said Arizona Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “Now, more than ever, sports teams must develop and leverage cutting-edge technologies to engage fans in and out of their arenas, deliver unique and compelling content, and operate as best-in-class business enterprises. This challenge aligns with our key focus on innovation, and we look forward to being presented with many great concepts in December.”

Executives from the Coyotes will select the winner(s) of the venture challenge and provide an opportunity to implement their product/service within the Coyotes’ organization. The Global Sport Institute and Edson Entrepreneurship +Innovative Institute will supply the winner of the venture challenge with promotional resources, workshops, and 1:1 mentorship. The entities have also committed to providing up to $40,000 in funding to the winning venture(s). 

“We look forward to pairing ASU’s world-class entrepreneurship resources with the forward-thinking vision and efforts of the Coyotes organization,” said Global Sport Institute Associate Director of Innovation Programs, Jeff Kunowski. “When starting a business, it is often difficult to gain traction with customers. We’re very excited about the opportunity to put these startups in a position to pitch — and potentially beta-test — their concepts with a prominent NHL team.” 

The venture challenge will be focused but not limited to startups working within venue innovation, immersive technology, fan engagement, athlete training & performance, data analytics, and community relations/social impact. The program framework will be provided through Edson E+I Institute’s Venture Devils program and will conclude with a live demo day pitch competition in December 2021. 

Applicants do not need to be affiliated with Arizona State University to apply. Those interested in joining the pitch competition can learn more about ASU’s venture programs at globalsport.asu.edu/sport-ei/venture-funding. Additional program details and application instructions will be announced soon.

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About the Arizona Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes are a National Hockey League franchise owned by Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo. The Arizona Coyotes play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. For the latest news and information on the Coyotes, please visit ArizonaCoyotes.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University

The Global Sport Institute is where diverse disciplines converge to thoughtfully examine critical issues impacting sport. As a cross-disciplinary enterprise, the institute's efforts are integrated throughout the entire university — from engineering to sociology, to the athletic department and beyond — rather than within a single concentration. With an emphasis on expanding research, sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and advancing education, the institute's mission is to use sport to create positive change throughout the world. Through its partnership with the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, the Institute offers start-ups access to an extensive array of curriculum, workshops, advisors, funding and other university resources. Follow the Institute on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

More information at: https://globalsport.asu.edu/ 

About the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University 

The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute serves as a premiere connecting and collaborating conduit across Arizona State University, the greater Phoenix community, nationwide and throughout the world. The Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute helps propel entrepreneurial aspirations by way of opportunities to explore, share, test and advance ideas. As a central source of information, resources and people, engaging with the Edson E+I Institute is to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, engage with global and local events and communities, and launch an idea through mentoring, funding, spaces and commercialization. Follow Edson E+I on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

More information at: http://entrepreneurship.asu.edu