RT team
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) announced a substantial investment initiative, committing up to Rs 5 crore over five years to support selected sports startups. This announcement was made during a two-day sports tech startup conclave in New Delhi, with a goal to back at least 200 startups within this timeframe. The funding will be provided by IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies.
Prof. V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the growing role of technology in sports and the institute’s dedication to fostering this integration. He stated, “The market for sports technology is expanding rapidly, and it is essential to develop indigenous products for Indian athletes, from health monitoring to performance enhancement.”
In addition to financial support for startups, IIT Madras will introduce a four-year course on sports science. This initiative is part of the Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), which aims to stimulate deep tech innovation in the sports sector. Prof. Mahesh Panchagula, head of CESSA, mentioned that the institute is finalizing course details, including eligibility and structure. Meanwhile, shorter courses on sports psychology, exercise physiology, and nutrition are already available.
The institute’s efforts extend beyond funding and education. IIT Madras has developed technologies used in sports like boxing, judo, wrestling, and racquet sports, with ESPN utilizing their innovations to enhance game analysis and fan engagement. The institute also aims to support India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036, aiming for Indian athletes to win at least 50 medals.
Furthermore, IIT Madras is collaborating with the National Centre for Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) on AI and data analysis for sports like archery. The institute’s EduSwasth initiative focuses on integrating technology into school physical education.
Additionally, IIT Madras is launching initiatives to make India a global chess powerhouse, including fan engagement strategies, anti-cheating solutions, and grassroots training programs. CESSA plans to offer new courses to upgrade skills across the sports value chain, benefiting athletes, coaches, referees, analysts, and other sports professionals, with five new courses on sports to be launched on NPTEL soon.
