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A new revolution is unfolding—Ireland is no longer just celebrated for its athletes. It's now a powerhouse in the global sports tech scene.

This dynamic fusion of athletic tradition and modern technology is creating a thriving ecosystem, with startups flourishing and former sports stars taking on entrepreneurial roles. As the sports tech sector grows, it enhances performance, transforms fan experiences, and seriously boosts the Irish economy.

So, grab your coffee ☕️ and enjoy the game!

📈 The Rise of Irish Sports Tech

In Ireland, sport is more than just a pastime—it’s a part of who we are. Now, that passion drives the country’s surge in sports tech innovation, creating career opportunities for those who love sports and technology.

The global sports tech market, valued at $22 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $42 billion by 2027 and $79 billion by 2032. Ireland is making a notable contribution, with over 85 companies in the sector, as highlighted in a March 2024 report by SportsTech Ireland.

The sector’s growth is backed by more than 60,000 people working in sports-related roles nationwide. Ireland’s data, engineering, and performance analysis expertise drive this rapid development over the past five years. Irish-trained analysts now work with elite clubs, leagues, and organisations worldwide, proving that local talent is one of the country’s most valuable exports.

🏅 From Rugby Pitch to Boardroom

In Ireland, the discipline and teamwork learned on the pitch have proven invaluable off the field, especially for athletes who have become entrepreneurs.

Rugby players, in particular, have shown how strategy, resilience, and leadership lessons can translate into business success. Their firsthand understanding of athletes, coaches, and teams’ challenges has made them uniquely qualified to develop practical, high-impact solutions within the sports tech sector.

Andrew Trimble: From Rugby Star to Co-Founder of Kairos Sports Tech

Former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Andrew Trimble co-founded Kairos Sports Tech, a platform centralising team communications and operations. Used by elite clubs such as Liverpool FC and Manchester United, Kairos helps teams optimise schedules and logistics, reducing distractions for athletes and coaches.

"We lived through the inefficiencies firsthand," says Trimble. Now, we’re solving those problems.” Kairos even contributed to South Africa’s Rugby World Cup success.

Kairos' achievements didn’t stop there. In 2024, Trimble and co-founder Gareth Quinn celebrated a major milestone when US-based Teamworks, a leading player in sports technology, acquired their company.

With over 100 professional sports organisations already using Kairos and Teamworks serving 200 global teams, the acquisition looks like a great partnership.

Jamie Heaslip: Investor in Sports Tech Innovation

Jamie Heaslip, the former Leinster and Ireland rugby star, has transitioned into a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem, leveraging his leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

His portfolio of investments highlights his focus on innovation and problem-solving across various industries. Below is an expanded look at his ventures and contributions:

Key Investments:

• Kitman Labs: A sports tech company providing data-driven solutions to optimise athlete performance through advanced analytics.

• Pointy: A retail tech startup that helps local retailers display their inventory online, acquired by Google for $160 million.

• UrbanVolt: A company specialising in energy-saving solutions for businesses6.

• Manna: A drone delivery service that has conducted over 150,000 flights in Europe and aims to serve 1 million people in Dublin by the end of 2025.

• Flender: A fintech platform offering flexible loans to Irish SMEs.

Through these ventures, Heaslip has successfully transitioned from sports to business, establishing himself as a key player in Ireland's startup ecosystem. Heaslip is currently with Stripe, serving as the Strategic Growth Lead for Ireland and assisting businesses in scaling globally.

🚀 Women Driving Innovation in Sports Tech

Emma Meehan (Founder of Precision Sports Technology)

Emma Meehan is a computer scientist, software engineer, qualified personal trainer, and competitive Olympic weightlifter. She graduated with first-class honours in Computer Science and Information Technology from Galway University in 2018. After working at Cisco Systems for three years, she founded Precision Sports Technology in 2021.

Precision Sports Technology is a Galway-based startup that developed the KinetikIQ platform. Check out her pitch for yourself:

Meehan's innovative approach has established her as a leader in sports technology. Precision Sports Technology won the "Best New Sports Business of the Year" award at the 2024 Irish Sports Industry Awards. She has been featured on several "30 Under 30" lists and secured €50,000 from Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund. The company targets professional markets and consumers, with plans for global expansion.

Naomi McGregor (Founder of MoveTru)

Naomi McGregor is a former ballet dancer who switched to engineering after a career-ending injury at 14. In 2020, she earned a first-class Master’s degree in Product Design Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast. McGregor has received numerous accolades, including the Royal Academy of Engineering Leaders Scholarship and the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Grant.

MoveTru is a startup based in Northern Ireland that specialises in wearable rehabilitation technology. The company is focused on reducing rehabilitation time and preventing injuries through machine learning and technical textiles. Initially targeting elite athletes, MoveTru aims to make its solutions accessible to all demographics.

McGregor launched MoveTru in July 2020 after developing the concept during her dissertation. She has secured over £155,000 in grants and competition winnings, including Innovate UK Smart Grants.

The Secret Sauce: Why Ireland Leads in Sports Tech

Ireland's success in sports tech isn't a fluke. It’s the result of several key factors—education, investment, collaboration, and culture—coming together in a uniquely Irish way. This synergy has established Ireland as a sports technology leader, with innovations influencing sports globally.

1) A Tech-Savvy Workforce

Ireland’s focus on STEM education and specialised training programs has created a highly skilled workforce. Irish engineers and analysts are known worldwide for developing practical solutions in performance data, wearable tech, and fan engagement platforms.

2) Government Support and Investment

Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for developing and growing Irish enterprises in world markets, has thrown its weight behind the sports tech industry. The agency supports and invests in 40 Irish sports tech companies, providing crucial resources for growth and international expansion.

3) Research and Academic Collaboration

Institutions like the Insight Centre for Data Analytics and Lero’s esports science lab are key players in developing AI, data analytics, and wearable innovations. Partnerships between academia and industry ensure that cutting-edge research is translated into real-world applications.

4) Cultural Affinity for Sports

Ireland's passion for sports creates a fertile ground for innovation, from the roar of crowds at Croke Park to local GAA clubs in nearly every town. Athletes, engineers, and fans naturally understand the challenges teams face, making it easier to develop targeted solutions.

This grassroots involvement drives product development. Companies like Kairos Sports Tech and Kitman Labs have thrived because they solve firsthand problems that athletes and coaches experience. Similarly, Irish fans’ demand for interactive digital experiences has fueled innovations in fan engagement platforms, blending passion with technology.

The Future of Irish Sports Tech

Irish sports tech companies are setting their sights on global markets, including the lucrative U.S. market. The convergence of sports culture, tech expertise, and entrepreneurial drive creates innovations reshaping how sports are played and experienced.

Ireland’s sports tech ecosystem is transforming the global sports landscape from elite training systems to AI-driven injury prevention. This isn’t just luck—it’s a strategy rooted in collaboration, passion, and innovation.

As the sector grows, new opportunities will continue to emerge, allowing Irish youth to combine their love for sports with cutting-edge technology. With momentum on its side, Ireland’s future as a global leader in sports tech is all but assured.

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