About Sporting Chance Initiative
We give support to Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are developing new products for sports markets or wish to explore how their existing products or technologies may be developed for sport.
Our work with businesses is free-of-charge and includes:
• supporting the innovation development process
• access to Academic Expertise in Higher Education
• information about the Sports Industry
• match funding of up to £5,000 for innovative collaborative projects (find out more)
To deliver these services, we:
Collaborate with intermediary organisations that support knowledge exchange and business development in Scotland.
Link specialist research expertise and facilities from Higher Education with specific business needs.
Seek feedback from consumers and grass-roots sports organisations to improve our understanding of market needs in key sectors.
Work with the wider sports sector to spot opportunities for innovation in the business base.
Find out more about our work by reading about some of our recent projects or exploring further information relevant to your sector.
You can also read the latest edition of Podium (our monthly newsletter) or join in the discussions in our LinkedIn group.
About the Project
The Sporting Chance Initiative developed from a pilot project run by Stirling University Innovation Park from 2006-2008.
It is a collaborative partnership between the Scottish Government, the University of Stirling, Stirling University Innovation Park and Stirling Council. The project is co-funded by European Structural Funds.
About the Sports Sector
Although dominated by large brand names, the sports sector is a highly diverse market in which 50% of the worldwide market is served by smaller companies. Many companies are able to carve out profitable niches in this £70 billion market.
Business Opportunities
The variety of opportunities in the sports market is often overlooked. Businesses operating in a range of sectors including tourism, textiles, sensors, phone apps and nutrition may be able to benefit from selling into sport-related areas.
Working with a Higher Education Institution
There is a wide range of world class expertise, knowledge, research and facilities available within Scottish Higher Education Institutions, much of which can be used to benefit your business.
Companies may work with Universities and Research Institutions in a variety of ways:
Consultancy
Research & Development
Collaboration
Industrial Studentships
Equipment & Facilities