Enterprise Ireland and the IRFU have embarked on a partnership that they say will enable innovators and startups in the sport tech sector to get access to the sporting organisation at an early stage of their product or service development.

The idea of the two-year project is to support Irish companies by providing access to a unique evaluation environment to trial, test and validate their products in a premier sports organisation.

This collaboration will also support Irish rugby in gaining a competitive edge by engaging with the technology community, which is developing innovative solutions in the sport tech sector, and the sport’s technology transformation.

EI senior development advisor Keith Brock said: ““Sports tech is an important part of this sector. This collaboration will further this growth and has the potential to open new doors for innovative Irish entrepreneurs and their companies.”

IRFU director of communications Stephen McNamara added: ““Working with up-and-coming Irish companies is something that we are also extremely excited about. Wearing the green jersey off the pitch is as important as wearing it on it, and we hope to help accelerate the progress of these Irish businesses.”

In Association with

Enterprise Ireland will provide expertise to the IRFU on adopting and implementing technology and innovation from Irish-based firms under each of their technology pillars. In particular, the partnership between the two organisations will focus on addressing a number of key areas, including:

• Innovative means of increasing rugby participation while promoting health and safety
• Digitalisation to enhance fan engagement and immersion
• Technology to increase the preparation and performance of players
• Climate sustainability across IRFU, provinces, clubs and stadiums.

A number of Enterprise Ireland clients will be selected each year to work with the IRFU. The IRFU will not be an investor, but will support these companies in validating potential technologies.

The partners will issue a ‘technology call’ later this year, and eligible companies will then be able to register their interest. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in the programme for nine months.

The IRFU is the governing body for rugby football on the island of Ireland and is responsible for all performance and development elements of rugby, from the national team and professional game to the club, schools and community programmes.

Photo (l-r): Keith Brock, Lucy Mulhall and Stacey Flood, Ireland Women’s Sevens players, with Stephen McNamara.