Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Ryerson University are launching a new research and innovation lab dedicated to sports tech.
The Future of Sport Lab hopes to be a hub connecting Canadian sport properties and industry partners to entrepreneurs, faculty, and students. The FSL will be focused on fostering research and innovation partnerships; applied research and needs assessments to identify emerging opportunities; startup support, including the opportunity to have MLSE pilot testing of products; and research forums to identify emerging trends.
“Toronto has established itself as a world-class sports and entertainment market for our teams and venues, but also as a leader in the business of sport,” said Michael Friisdahl, MLSE president and CEO. “This partnership with Ryerson will support the talent and innovation that has contributed to the city’s strong global reputation and continue to create opportunities for success in the industry in the future.”
The first component of the FSL will be an incubator for sport-related startups open to entrepreneurs from across Canada. Run by Dr. Cheri L. Bradish, the research chair in sport marketing at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, the FSL incubator will start accepting applicants in October 2018.
“Ryerson continues to be a leader in creating business ecosystems anchored by innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Ryerson University president Mohamed Lachemi. “We’re thrilled to share this vision with MLSE to ensure Canadian sport and sport business are shaping the global future of sport.”