UEFA signs three start-ups as part of innovation drive

As part of its commitment to using technology and innovation to stay ahead of the game and following the recent Start-Up Challenge, launched by UEFA's Innovation Hub in partnership with ThinkSport, three start-ups have been given the opportunity to see how they can help European football's governing body shape the future of football. 

WSC Sports, which creates and distributes automated highlights packages for any digital platform; Formalytics, which has produced an app which allows players of all abilities and ages to monitor and improve their footballing skills; and LiveLike, which offers fans a platform to increase engagement around football matches – were the companies who were offered the opportunity to work with UEFA.

In addition, UEFA has launched its own Open Innovation platform in order to help shape the footballing vision of European football's governing body.

"This is the first time that we have given start-ups the chance to become integrated into UEFA and help our organisation explore exciting new pathways," said UEFA's director of financial sustainability and research Andrea Traverso.

"We are delighted with having the opportunity to sign three start-ups, with potentially more to follow in the future. At UEFA, we need to create platforms for innovation, research and development as well as supporting the use of modern technologies and use of data in order to improve our business working model and create better engagement with our fans. By doing this, we will be ensuring that the future of football stays healthy for our organisation and UEFA's 55 national associations."

The UEFA Innovation Hub is constantly on the lookout for new partners in order to ensure that UEFA stays one step ahead of the latest footballing trends. UEFA invites start-ups and other organisations to get in touch at any time and apply to work with UEFA through its Open Innovation Portal.

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