Dutch Launch Funding to Innovate Sports for LA 2028 Olympics
The Hague, Tuesday, 3 June 2025.
The Netherlands’ Sportinnovator program is allocating up to €250,000 to propel sports innovation projects ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, fostering cutting-edge athletic advancements.
Introduction to the Initiative
The Sportinnovator program in the Netherlands, in collaboration with NOC*NSF (TeamNL), has announced an innovative funding initiative aimed at sports disciplines to prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. This initiative is designed to propel technological advances in sports performance, with notable goals including winning medals at the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games [1][3].
Focus on Targeted Challenges
Sportinnovator has identified eight key areas of focus, each designed to address specific challenges within top sports. These include reducing vibrations in paracycling and paratriathlons, utilizing data-driven training schedules in swimming, and enhancing the integration of wheelchair tennis players with their wheelchairs. This diversified approach aims to provide comprehensive support to athletes, enabling them to achieve superior results [1][1].
Funding Details and Application Process
The program allocates a total budget of €250,000, with each project eligible for grants up to €50,000. Grant applicants must ensure a collaborative project involving both innovators and top athletes, with projects set to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and run for a maximum of 12 months. The deadline for submitting applications is 14 October 2025 [2][3][3].
Timeline for Information Sessions
To aid potential applicants, non-mandatory information sessions are scheduled for 25 June and 10 September 2025. These sessions, which will be held online, aim to provide detailed guidance on the application process and the specific challenges addressed by the funding program [2][2].
Conclusion and Future Prospects
This strategic investment into sports innovation underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to sports excellence and technological advancement. As projects kickstart in 2026, this holistic approach is expected to not only elevate Dutch athletes’ performance on an international stage but also set a precedent for how integrated collaboration between sports and technology can enhance competitive outcomes [1][3].