Western Australian Government extends support for ASTN to drive local sports tech ecosystem

The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) has today announced the extension of its support from the Western Australia Government to develop and promote the sports technology and innovation industry in the state.

The arrangement includes a follow-on grant for a second year under the X-TEND WA Program, following a successful first year, during which ASTN delivered many tailored programs and activities to help grow sports technology in Western Australia.

The first X-TEND WA grant was awarded in July 2023 through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s New Industries Fund (NIF). The Fund is designed to build capability and capacity of local innovation community by supporting entrepreneurs and stimulating private investment in innovative projects in Western Australia.

Welcoming the extended support, ASTN Executive Chair, Dr Martin Schlegel stated “we are thrilled to continue to work with the WA Government, building upon a successful first year of engagement with the local sports industry.

“We have uncovered some incredible local talent, and as we forge ahead, we will continue to explore new avenues for advancing the state’s sports tech sector.”

Craig Hill, ASTN’s Western Australian Program Manager and Sportstech Start-up Advisor & Industry Analyst, added “this expansion of the relationship is a reflection of the tremendous opportunity that exists in WA and offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate even greater innovation and connect WA’s sports tech ecosystem to the eastern seaboard and into international markets.”

Over the past year, ASTN has immersed itself within Western Australia's sports innovation landscape and wider sports community. It has engaged with more than 30 sports tech startups as well as more than 50 key stakeholders across sports federations, professional clubs, sports institutes, venue and stadia and sports education and research.

Omni Biotech, a Western Australia-based startup that has developed a hydration metric for elite sports and occupational health and safety applications, has participated in two of ASTN’s early-stage startup programs.

Omni Biotech co-founder, Zac Farrow noted “the early-stage programs were a crucial step in Omni’s growth. ASTN’s deep networks across Australia and globally enabled us to access expertise and connections that would not have been possible without their assistance.”

The extended grant supports an additional six Western Australia-based sports tech startups to participate in ASTN’s early-stage Pre-Accelerator Program, as well as six startups in ASTN’s growth-stage Accelerator Program. Two Western Australian startups will also participate in ASTN’s trade missions and international market research programs. Meanwhile, ASTN will further connect and educate the local sports tech sector through networking events and online masterclasses.

As part of the suite of activities, ASTN will also work closely with SportWest, the peak body of WA’s sports industry, to deliver three sessions across emerging sports innovation themes relevant to WA’s sports executives and decision-makers.

Matt Bamford, Member and Partnership Manager at SportWest, added “we attended ASTN’s three networking events in Perth and realised the sports innovation knowledge that ASTN and its network of experts can share with the SportWest Member network.

“We identified emerging themes like ESG, Open Innovation and Coaching and Pathways technologies, and we know the expertise of ASTN can deliver some valuable insights for executives and managers in the WA sports industry.”

Opportunities to participate in the ASTN Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator programs will be announced in coming months.

Click here for further details on the ASTN website.

Click here for further details on the Western Australian Government website.

Image: Will Poot and Zac Farrow of Omni Biotech.