A sporting event is like a temporary mini-society.
Everything comes together there: visitors, volunteers, athletes, suppliers, weather conditions, logistics, energy, and waste streams.
That’s exactly what makes it the ideal testing ground for innovations. Here, you can not only showcase what your idea can do, but also experience firsthand how it performs under pressure. The environment is raw and real — and that makes the learning experience all the more valuable.

During the Innofest × SIA Sport program, teams get the opportunity to test their prototypes in this unique setting. Each team consists of a university of applied sciences, students, and an SME — a collaboration where knowledge, entrepreneurship, and ideas come together.

They receive up to €10,000 in funding to make their test possible, along with intensive guidance from Innofest. Over the course of about 15 hours, spread across six workshops, we help them formulate a strong test question, design their test case, and analyze their results. The program demonstrates the true power of testing: by experimenting in a real-world context, you discover what works, what can be improved, and how your innovation can make an impact.

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The teams participating in Innofest × SIA Sport are working on a wide range of solutions, but they share one common mission: to improve the world of sports.
One team developed a breathing trainer in the form of a smart shirt that helps children regulate their breathing after exercise. Another created an app that motivates girls to be active together, while yet another worked on a sustainable linen poncho that allows athletes to change comfortably outdoors.

Nine out of ten innovations fail because they reach the market too soon — before being properly tested. That wastes time, money, and energy.
At Innofest, everything revolves around learning through practice. Our approach is simple but effective: test, measure, adapt, try again.
By experimenting in environments that mirror real life, developers make their products stronger and their impact greater. In this way, we help innovators not just come up with something new, but create something that truly works — and keeps working.

In January 2026, the next round of Innofest × SIA Sport will begin. A total of €100,000 in funding is available, with a maximum of €10,000 per project. Applications must be submitted by universities of applied sciences in collaboration with at least one SME partner. As in previous years, the focus is on innovations that promote physical activity and sports participation, or contribute to the sustainability of sports and sports facilities.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee. Once approved, teams will be matched with a suitable testing location — a festival or sporting event where their innovation can come to life. During the test, they will receive guidance from Innofest, followed by an evaluation workshop where results are discussed and translated into next steps.

Applications open via Regieorgaan SIA on October 27, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is January 13, 2026, at 14:00. The selected teams will be announced in April 2026.

Are you working on a sports or movement concept that you’d like to test with a new audience?
Do you have an idea that could make the sports sector more sustainable?
Or are you curious to see how your product or service performs in a real, dynamic environment?

Then Innofest × SIA Sport is for you!
Together, we’ll get your innovation moving

Lees de volledige regeling en dien je aanvraag in via Regieorgaan SIA

This program is made possible by Sportinnovator, Regieorgaan SIA and Innofest.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with:

Niels Reijgersberg, Innovation Advisor — Knowledge & Public–Private Partnerships
ln.ro1778296405tavon1778296405nitro1778296405ps@sl1778296405ein1778296405
+31 (0) 70 349 54 21

Anne Binnendijk, Regieorgaan SIA
ln.ai1778296405s-naa1778296405groei1778296405ger@k1778296405jidne1778296405nnib.1778296405enna1778296405
+31 (0) 6 22 64 62 55

Elisha Weeber, innovatiescout Innofest
oc.ts1778296405efonn1778296405i@ahs1778296405ile1778296405
+31 (0) 6 15 49 98 15