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INNOVATE SHARE CONNECT INSPIRE

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2022 Sport Innovation Challenge teams up with the Freeride World Tour

It's time to warm up for the 2022 edition of the Sport Innovation Challenge by Haskins Sport Society, which will kick off on 8 October! This time, the Challenge will be organised in partnership with the Freeride World Tour (FWT), the worldwide circuit of freeride snowboarding and skiing with the best riders in the world competing on the most legendary and challenging alpine faces at the most renown ski resorts across the world (including Verbier!).

Organised by students for students, the annual Challenge invites and engages young academics in the development of innovative solutions to current and future challenges of the sport industry. This year, students and alumni of any Swiss higher education institution are invited to help develop solutions to the following important questions defined by the Freeride World Tour:

  • Business Model: How can the FWT diversify their revenue streams and ensure a safe economic growth?
  • Marketing: How can the FWT offer more value and make themselves an attractive partner for mountain resorts?
  • Inclusion: How can the FWT engage more girls and women as both athletes and spectators?
  • Fan engagement: How can the FWT adapt and interact with their audience through new communication efforts?

Legacy, sustainability and innovation will be at the core of the initiative to drive participants to develop ideas for the future and change the status quo. The student teams of four to six participants will each be assigned a mentor to help guide them throughout the Challenge. These professionals from the sports industry contribute years of experience and knowledge to the Challenge, helping students develop feasible and impactful ideas.

Registration for individuals and teams are still open.

The kick-off event will be held on 8 October in Lausanne and introduce the participants to their team members and their mentor. The gathering will also provide the opportunity to explain key milestones and details of the Challenge, and feature exciting keynote speakers, willing to share their insights and experiences.

In October and November, the participants will develop their ideas in their respective teams and participate in two more workshops, focusing on market needs and pitching techniques. The latter will be most useful for their 5min-pitches during the semi-finals on 3 December and, if successful, for the finals on 9 December in front of a live audience. The winning team will become part of the 2022 Xtreme Verbier Switzerland.

For the third  time now, ThinkSport is a proud supporter of the Challenge. Other partners include the HUB Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and Swiss University Sports.

Check out more details here and stay tuned for updates!

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