ASTN invites input to Gold Coast Sportstech Open Innovation Challenge with Southport Sharks

The Australian Sports Technology Network (ASTN) has advised that it is seeking Expressions of Interest to participate in the Gold Coast Sportstech Open Innovation Challenge with Southport Sharks.

With the Gold Coast looking to play a leading role in sport and innovation, the six-week program is designed to fast-track the development of emerging technologies by embedding startups in a live sporting environment, supported by expert mentoring and commercialisation pathways.

Delivered by the ASTN in partnership with Southport Sharks and Invest Gold Coast, and supported by the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), the program gives startups the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with one of Australia’s most successful semi-professional sports clubs, Southport Sharks.

With more than 55,000 members and over a million annual visitors, Southport Sharks is one of Queensland’s largest and most influential sporting organisations.

The club combines elite success-including 22 senior-grade premierships and current VFL participation-with cutting-edge facilities, including two AFL-grade ovals, a 24/7 fitness centre, and multi-purpose event, hospitality, and accommodation spaces.

Exclusively open to Gold Coast based startups, the program will see selected companies work alongside Southport Sharks to solve real-world challenges across four key areas:

• Enhancing Player Safety

• Elevating Performance

• Driving Sports Innovation

• Community and Fan Engagement

Nikita Vogel, Queensland State Manager at ASTN advised “this initiative is about turning innovation into impact. Too often, great sportstech ideas struggle to move beyond theory. By placing startups directly inside a high-performance club environment like Southport Sharks, we’re removing barriers, speeding up validation, and accelerating commercial outcomes.

“We see sportstech as a strategic growth sector for the Gold Coast - one that blends our strengths in sport and innovation, unique natural environment and exceptional facilities. This pilot program is not just about startups; it’s about building an innovation pipeline, unlocking commercial opportunities, creating high-value jobs, and positioning the Gold Coast as a national leader in emerging technologies.”
Invest Gold Coast acting Chief Executive, Jeff McAlister added “the partnership with ASTN and Southport Sharks, supported by the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, is the first iteration of what will be an important framework for product testing and validation with sports organisations on the Gold Coast, and sets a benchmark for how City entities can catalyse commercial opportunities.”

The program launches Thursday 23rd May 2025 at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, with Expressions of Interest closing Sunday 18th May 2025.

This initiative follows ASTN’s national strategy to position the Gold Coast as a key destination for sportstech activation and commercialisation in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Click here to apply.

Click here for program information.

Image: The Southport Sharks main ground and clubhouse.