Wanted: early-stage startups! 🚀 Pitch for access to a unique validation program

FOR THIS VALIDATION PROGRAM, THERE IS AN ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION - CONTINUE READING FOR DETAILS

We, Multi-Sport Campus Traiectum (FC Utrecht, SV Kampong, Hellas Utrecht, VV Utrecht, and UZSC), are creating the ultimate testing and development hub for startups in Sports, Physical activity & Vitality in Utrecht-East. In collaboration with UtrechtInc. – the internationally leading startup incubator from Utrecht – we're seeking early-stage startups with innovative and scalable ideas. So, are you a driven and ambitious entrepreneur? Do you want to transform your idea in the domain of Sports, Physical activity & Vitality into a successful startup? Then sign up and stand a chance to be one of the 12 participants in our unique 16-week validation program.

Background

Utrecht aims to evolve into the nation's health metropolis, with the motto 'Utrecht, the city of 'Healthy Urban Living for Everyone'. Sport and movement are crucial for healthy urban living. It's beneficial for both body and mind, acting as a significant driver behind the physical, mental, and social health of our residents. However, current participation in sports and physical activity is under pressure, with 53% of the Dutch population insufficiently active and 50% struggling with overweight. Children and young people today spend less time engaging in physical activities and playing outdoors compared to previous generations. Around 700,000 people haven't returned to sports after the COVID-19 period. This issue is prevalent both nationally and in Utrecht.

Therefore, innovation in Sports, Physical activity & Vitality is more relevant than ever. And the Multi-Sport Campus Traiectum is the place where research and innovation in Sports, Physical activity & Vitality can commence, be valorized, and brought to the market, within a real-life setting. We use top sport as a source of inspiration for recreational sports and as a booster for the health and vitality of society. We distinguish five themes that align well with our expertise, network, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to a sporty, healthy urban life, and of which we are confident in their scalability and economic potential:

Activity & Performance. Supporting athletes (at different levels) in developing their talent and achieving their maximum sporting potential.
Participation & Offering. Stimulating people's involvement in sports and offering (new) sports options, membership models and programs.
Talent & Development. Creating a supportive environment in which athletes can develop and continue to exercise sustainably.
Livestyle & Prevention. The (preventive) promotion of a healthy lifestyle, physical fitness, well-being and health through sports and physical activity.
Outdoor space & Area. Developing outdoor spaces that inspire sports and exercise, provide space for sporting achievements and contribute to the quality of life.

Within these themes, we focus on social innovations as well as innovative technologies and applications (such as motion analysis, AI, VR, MR), with connection to recreational sports and the wider community.

For whom?

For this validation program, we focus specifically on early-stage startups, where concept/product validation (problem-solution-fit) is key.
Entrepreneurs in the initial development phase, before scaling up and realising significant revenues.

Specifically, we are looking for:

Early-stage / pre-funding startups
Innovative and scalable ideas
Elaborated concepts / initial prototypes / MVPs
Dedicated teams

What we offer?

Access to a unique validation program developed and run in collaboration with UtrechtInc. This program will help you to:

Validating business models for your startup;
Increase your startup's chances of success by developing entrepreneurial knowledge, teams, mentors, network and events;
Building a strong innovation network.

We have space for up to 12 entrepreneurs, who benefit from the following advantages:

Guidance and coaching: Personal coaching and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs (inside and outside sport) and executives, and group sessions with fellow startups.
Team development: We promote not only the growth of your business, but also your personal growth. We help build a balanced and complementary team.
Design of value proposition: Work with your team to come up with a compelling value-added proposition, creating an irresistible offer for your customers.
Testing opportunities: Reach a market of 21,000 members, 1,800,000 annual visitors and 600 companies and use our facilities, such as stadiums, changing rooms, canteens, pitches and training rooms, to validate your concept.
Exposure: Generate visibility for your solution through participating clubs' communication channels, with a combined reach of more than 400,000 followers.
Workspace: A flexible workspace in our co-working space, or a dedicated office amidst innovative startups. Prefer to work in FC Utrecht's stadium? Be welcome.
Graduate network: Join our network of more than 350 startups, benefit from access to our industry experts and become part of the Traiectum Multi-Sport Campus ecosystem.
Perfect pitch: Regular opportunities to practice your pitch so you're always ready to present your story convincingly when the opportunity arises.
Funding opportunities: Present your concept to the jury of the Rabo Pre-seed Fund, with possible access to a loan of up to €68,000.

The following topics will be addressed during the program:

How to build a startup quickly and iteratively;
Who the customer is and who the user is and how to interview them;
Which business model best suits your product and market;
Which experiments you can do to quickly find out how to create the most value;
How to pitch your concept to investors or potential customers;
How to build a winning team;
What your first minimal version of your product or service should look like;
How to finance your startup and which financial figures are important.

Participants should allow for about one half-day per week for program activities. In addition, you mainly invest time in the further development of your proposition. We advise participants to devote at least 2-3 days a week to the growth of their startup, in addition to the weekly half-day for the program. This dedication provides the opportunity to take full advantage of the guidance and coaching, team development, value proposition design, testing opportunities, exposure and all the other benefits the validation program offers.

What we are looking for?

We distinguish five themes in which we want to accelerate innovation. For this, we are looking for solutions from early-stage startups that are (preferably) supported by scientific insights.

Theme 1: Activity & Performance

The further development of the technical part of the sport and the associated preconditions for optimal, sustainable (long-term) performance. The aim is to support athletes (at various levels) in developing their talent and reaching their maximum sporting potential. It goes beyond training on the playing field and emphasises the conditions for optimal performance.