Premier League side Burnley FC has launched a new accelerator programme created to help the next generation of SportTech startups to turn their ideas into real-world impact.
The Burnley FC Innovation Hub is offering early-stage companies the opportunity to pilot their products within the recently-promoted football club’s elite Premier League environment.
Over a six-month period, selected startups will work directly with club staff to test their solutions in live settings, gain structured feedback and generate the traction needed to further boost their businesses.
The Clarets’ new initiative will select 2-3 companies to participate in the six-month pilot beginning in December 2025.
It follows previous work the club has done with SportTech firms including MUD Analytics, AI Scout and Rezzil.
It also comes just weeks after the North West side announced that it had partnered with X in a deal that will see the social media platform produce its first X Originals content series in the UK.
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“We’re incredibly excited by the potential of the Innovation Hub,” said Burnley FC chairman, Alan Pace. “Innovation is at the forefront of what we do here at Burnley.
“We’re a forever forward-thinking club, with a passion for unlocking opportunities and driving growth.
“The Premier League is synonymous with excellence and upon our return we’re determined to provide a platform for start-ups to flourish through hands-on pilots, giving the club early access to cutting-edge solutions and potential partnership opportunities.
“We’re always striving to operate more sustainably and efficiently, whilst finding new ways to engage with supporters and the wider public, and the Innovation Hub will make a major contribution to this work.”
The hub’s inaugural cohort will focus on two core areas – football performance and fan experience.
Football performance includes scouting, athlete management, training and coaching, performance analysis, medical and nutrition.
Meanwhile, fan experience looks at areas such as fan journey management, smart stadium, retail and social commerce, as well as media and marketing.
Applications close on 31st October 2025. Interested companies can apply here.