FAQ
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Sports Innovation League below. From eligibility to program details, everything you need to know is right here.
What is the sports innovations league?
The Sports Innovation League is an innovation program for startups with strategies that inspire Dutch society to embrace and enjoy sport. The program supports five selected startups on their journey toward commercialization and growth. In doing so, it empowers them to drive meaningful change in both active sports participation and passive sports engagement across the Netherlands.
Who are the organizations behind the Sports Innovation League?
The Sports Innovation League is an initiative of Nederlandse Loterij, supported by NOC*NSF, and facilitated by Rockstart. Together, these organizations empower startups to drive innovation in sport and increase participation across the Netherlands.
About Nederlandse Loterij
Nederlandse Loterij is the largest provider of games of chance in the Netherlands with the game brands: Staatsloterij, Lotto, Eurojackpot, Miljoenenspel, Lucky Day, Krasloten, TOTO Winkel, TOTO Sport, TOTO Casino and Winnitt.
In 2024, Nederlandse Loterij awarded €5.358 million in prize money to its players. Each year, the organization donates its entire profit to Dutch sport through NOC*NSF, to 18 charities focused on health, exercise, and welfare, and to Dutch society via the Ministry of Finance. In 2024, this total contribution amounted to €203.6 million.
The mission of Nederlandse Loterij is to contribute to a healthy and active Netherlands.
About NOCNSF
NOC*NSF is the umbrella organization for organized sports in the Netherlands. The association consists of 79 sports federations and 18 associate members. Together they represent over 21,700 sports clubs and 4.3 million athletes in the Netherlands (2024 figures).
The mission of NOC*NSF is to become the world’s sportiest nation.
About Rockstart
Rockstart is an early-stage investor that empowers purpose-driven founders across three key domains: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies.
Through its funds, Rockstart invests in early-stage startups and provides access to capital, market opportunities, and expert guidance. Founders benefit from a strong network of co-investors, mentors, corporates, and partners.
To date, Rockstart has invested in over 350 startups, with a total alumni portfolio valuation exceeding €1.6 billion.
Who can apply the Sports Innovations League?
Sports Innovation League is looking for European-based startups with existing hardware or software solutions or an internationally proven concept that can be localized to the Dutch market. We’re interested in sports and movement initiatives that have undergone validation and are ready for scaling. These initiatives should have a lasting impact on both active and passive sports experience. Additionally, they should make a measurable contribution to the selected goals of the Dutch Sportagenda 2032:
♦ Elevate Dutch sports participation
12 million Dutch people engage in sports and physical activities at least 3x a week
♦ Expand Dutch sports engagement
14 million Dutch people enjoy games, races, matches, competitions, and events weekly as either participants or supporters
♦ Increase enjoyment of sports
Dutch sports lovers, volunteers, supporters, and elite athletes demonstrate higher levels of enjoyment in sport
What type of collaboration is Sports Innovation League looking for?
The purpose of the program is to support five startups in their commercialization and growth by leveraging the Sports Innovation League’s extensive network, capabilities, and resources. This development journey offers potential for pilot projects, funding opportunities, and long-term partnerships with all founding partners.
What is the Sports Agenda 2032?
Sports Agenda 2032: The Netherlands is the world’s sportiest nation
In 2032, everyone, in all stages of life and at all ambition levels, will have daily sporting pleasure. Above all, by exercising yourself and together, excelling in sports or exercising, but also as a volunteer, professional and supporter in a socially safe, healthy and sustainable environment. Enriched by valuable top sport.
This integral ambition forms the basis of the Sports Agenda 2032.
The NOC*NSF ambition – to be the most sportiest country in the world by 2032 – has been translated into concrete and measurable goals:
- 12 million people participate in sports and exercise at least three times a week.
- 14 million people enjoy matches, competitions, and events every week as participants or supporters
- Athletes, volunteers, supporters, and professionals rate their enjoyment of sports an 8 or higher
NOC*NSF believes not only in the power of sport, but also in the power of collaboration. With combined strength and expertise, we tackle the challenges in the sports sector and harness the power of sport. This is also necessary to achieve our ambitions and targets.
This includes anticipating the needs of athletes and potential athletes and find new ways to meet them, by innovation and collaborating within and outside the sports sector. With sports federations and commercial startups and scaleups, to build a happier, healthier, socially safer and more inclusive sports environment.
Will this program take place online?
The program follows a hybrid format, combining both online and in-person elements. While several sessions are held virtually, key events take place in the Netherlands. The program begins with a kick-off event involving all participating parties. Throughout the program, startups take part in workshops and training sessions. With support from ecosystem partners, they are given the opportunity to grow and make an impact from day one. The program ends with two in-person dates and the big pitch event – The Finals Day.
Are there any costs for participating?
There are no financial costs for the startups entering the program. All we ask for is your time, dedication, and passion for revolutionizing the Dutch sports industry!
What does the program entail?
The Sports Innovation League program consists of four key components, each designed to support startups in achieving commercial growth and creating lasting impact:
Needs Assessment
The program begins with an in-depth needs assessment to gain a clear understanding of each startup’s focus, goals, and upcoming milestones. This assessment forms the foundation for a tailored support track that aligns with each startup’s specific growth journey.
Training & Workshops
Startups participate in plenary sessions followed by tailored 1-on-1 sessions. Topics include internationalization, team development, fundraising and other growth-related challenges.
Mentorship
Each startup is matched with two dedicated mentors: one focused on business development and the other offering sector-specific expertise. Together, they provide up to 20 hours of hands-on guidance throughout the program.
Ecosystem & Network Support
Startups are introduced to key players from the networks of the founding partners, including investors, industry experts and potential business partners.
Final Event
The program concludes with a high-profile closing event where startups pitch their progress to a broad audience, attract media attention, and connect with new partners and opportunities for future growth.
