City demo for sport ‘hi-tech’

By John Van Klaveren
SPORTS technology entrepreneurs from around Australia will head to Skilled Stadium next week hoping to win funding for their ideas.
Geelong-based Australian Sports Technology Network (ASTN) will host its inaugural national conference on November 2.
The Independent reported formation of the ASTN in April, with the network since gaining 50 members and aiming for 200 in the next 18 months.
Network executive officer Craig Hill said entrepreneurs would be able to pitch ideas to a panel of experts, with the winner receiving $8000 and 12 months mentoring.
Participants would include the AFL, IMG Sports Technology, Nike, Swimming Australia, Cycling Australia, Australian Institute of Sport and America’s Cup skipper John Bertrand, he said.
Australian Sports Technology Ventures, chaired by James Demetriou, brother of AFL chief Andrew, is also an ASTN member.
Mr Hill said the venture fund hoped to raise $10 million to invest in commercialisation of sport technology inventions.
Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy would announce the findings of a first-ever study into the capacity of the Australian sports technology industry, he said.
Among the inventions pitching for funds would be a web-based, customised helmet design service.
Mr Hill said a sensor implanted in canoe and kayak paddles measuring force and performance would also appear.
Other innovations included a “smart” cricket ball that could measure revolutions through the air and a gym measuring muscle force to provide accurate data on injuries to help decide fitness levels.
“There is a massive gap between research and inventions and what’s getting to market,” Mr Hill said.
“There’s lots of work being done in sports apparel, equipment, data analysis, management, and sports administration.
“This all fits with the carbon fibre research and development being done at Deakin University, involving Quiksilver and CSIRO materials science.
“We’re talking wearable computing capabilities with application to sports technology and data capture of sports performance.”