New York, NY, April 8, 2019 —The Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport of the NYU School of Professional Studies, in cooperation with HYPE Sports Innovation of Tel Aviv, Israel, will host the first bootcamp for startups of blockchain applications in sports. The event will serve as the kickoff for a broader Tisch Institute/HYPE Sports collaboration on the first-ever blockchain accelerator program for sports technologies.
“Blockchain technology is proving to be a critical innovation platform in sports. Its applications range from revolutionizing the secondary ticketing market, to rewarding fans for their social media activity, to crowdfunding aspiring athletes. We intend to play a leadership role in accelerating this innovation,” asserted Vince Gennaro, associate dean of the Tisch Institute for Global Sport.
The two-day bootcamp, which will take place at the NYU School of Professional Studies on June 10 and 11, will include blockchain for sports startups that are selected through an application process. It will feature sports technology and blockchain experts who will share their insights, and will coach and mentor the startup teams selected to participate. The four to six startups that successfully emerge from the bootcamp will be invited to participate in a 14-week blockchain accelerator program. The Tisch Institute will contribute curriculum on blockchain, sports technology and innovation, and entrepreneurship to the accelerator program.
“Blockchain, together with AI, is becoming a general purpose technology,” noted Dr. Nir Ben Lavi, the CEO of HYPE US Accelerators. It is the core enabler for Web 3.0, the infrastructure of the next generation of online connectedness. As such, blockchain is driving major disruption that creates huge opportunities around sports—a field that is undergoing an innovation “perfect storm.” HYPE operates 12 accelerators worldwide, partnering with leading sports teams and major universities, and focusing on specific industry verticals, such as blockchain and AI. Guided by the vision of “Impacting People’s Lives Through the Power of Sports and Innovation,” HYPE sees a great opportunity in launching the first-ever blockchain focused sports-tech accelerator with the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport.
Those interested in participating in the bootcamp can apply here.
Members of the press who are interested in attending this event should contact Michael Demeo at md1122@nyu.edu or Alka Gupta at aag13@nyu.edu.
About the NYU School of Professional Studies Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport
Recent innovations in global sports consumption, the use of online and social media to engage and to build a fan base, and the implementation of redesigned sports business models, have resulted in a range of issues and opportunities for individuals working in the sports industry. Successful professionals in this field now need to understand strategic business principles as they apply to different aspects of the global sports industry.
Through interdisciplinary curricula, field internships, alumni-student mentorship, applied research, individualized degree advisement, a dedicated and accomplished advisory board, and faculty members who are experts in their fields, the NYU School of Professional Studies Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport provides the pathway to help students meet their professional goals in the sports business industry.
The Tisch Institute's graduate and undergraduate programs provide a top-notch education and the opportunity to meet and to network with industry leaders. Its location in New York, home to more sports teams, leagues, and media outlets than any other metro area in the country, offers the perfect setting for gaining a comprehensive overview of the complexities of the business. The Institute’s renowned, highly attended professional conferences and events provide an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leaders in their fields. For more information, visit sps.nyu.edu/tisch.
About the NYU School of Professional Studies
Established in 1934, the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) is one of NYU’s several degree-granting schools and colleges—each with a unique academic profile. The reputation of NYUSPS arises from its place as the NYU home for industry-focused education and applied research that is related to key knowledge-based fields, in which the New York region leads globally.
More than 80 distinguished full-time faculty members collaborate with an exceptional cadre of practitioner/adjunct faculty members and lecturers to create a vibrant professional and academic environment that educates nearly 5,400 degree-seeking students from around the globe each year. In addition, the School fulfills the recurrent professional education needs of local, national, and international economies, as evidenced by over 18,000 Professional Pathways enrollments in Career Advancement Courses, Certificates, and Diploma Programs. The School’s community is enriched by nearly 25,000 degree-holding alumni worldwide, many of whom serve as mentors, guest speakers, and advisory board members. For more information about the NYU School of Professional Studies, visit sps.nyu.edu.
About HYPE
HYPE Sports Innovation has built the largest, global ecosystem in sports innovation with over 40,000 members, including retail brands, athletic clubs, federations and academia. Together with over 11,000 startups, HYPE Sports Innovation has an unrivalled capacity for outreach to global partners across all sectors in this highly diverse field. The company's business model is to leverage this platform to grow from the surging needs of the sports industry to innovate. Since its inception, HYPE Sports Innovation has created and expanded unique offerings and services, all with unprecedented successes and value added for investors, partners, and consumers. Among its clients are UEFA, Adidas, Spalding, Silicon Valley Bank, Asics, Google, and many more. The company's mission is to impact people’s lives through the power of sports and innovation. Visit HYPE Sports Innovation at: hypesportsinnovation.com