By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Australia is considered to be one of the most sports mad nations in the world but it has nothing on India, according to the head of a Geelong tech start-up who has just returned from the sub-continent.
Enterprise Monkey founder Aamir Qutub held discussions with representatives from the Indian Premier League as well as other leading sports organisations.
Mr Qutub and nine other companies were part of a sport tech trade mission under the leadership of Geelong-based Australian Sports Technologies Network to showcase Victoria’s export capabilities.
“Many of the other sports are looking at using the IPL model because sports management is an issue as they are dealing with such huge numbers,” Mr Qutub said.
Enterprise Monkey showcased its Sports Enterprise Management solution for leagues and clubs, expected to gain significant traction in a major sports market like India.
“IPL teams and other leagues have expressed interest in trialling the system,” Mr Qutub said.
“National bodies could fund the use of the system for grassroots clubs as well as clubs using it for fundraising and membership fees.
“We would use Facebook because it’s huge in India, offering a free registration and referral process.
“At the same time we would use the response to research the number of clubs and participants in various sports in India because there is a lack of this type of data.”
Mr Qutub estimated that it would take six to nine months to develop the market.
“We have a strong presence in sports technology in Australia but this trade mission will no doubt open opportunities for expansion into the global market,” he said.
“Geelong start-ups are already doing interesting things with drones, sensor garments and in the sports medicine field.”
Founded by Mr Qutub in his brother-in-law’s garage, Enterprise Monkey now has a presence in three countries with a global team of 30 and has opened an office in New Delhi.
The company has developed capabilities in digital automation and applications for websites, mobile and enterprise platforms.
“Elite sport in Australia has embraced sports science and the application of technologies, however it is time to venture into unmarked territory, commercialising sports technology in the global market,” Mr Qutub said.
“The sports industry, on a global scale, currently generates $250 billion per annum and we want to contribute to growing that number.”
