SPRINGBOARD 2 strengthens the position of female elite athletes in SportsTech
The transition from an elite sports career to a next professional step is challenging for many athletes. For women, this transition is often even more complex, as they frequently enter sectors that are still male-dominated and face limited access to networks, mentoring, and funding. The European Erasmus+ project SPRINGBOARD 2: Women in Sports Tech addresses this challenge by supporting female elite athletes in taking the step towards entrepreneurship within the fast-growing sports technology sector.
SPRINGBOARD 2 builds on the insights and outcomes of Springboard 1 and focuses specifically on the intersection of sport, technology, and female leadership. The project supports female athletes in translating their sporting experience, discipline, and strategic mindset into innovative, technology-driven ventures. Rather than focusing on technical specialisation, the emphasis lies on understanding innovation processes, identifying market needs, and building effective teams.
The project is coordinated by Igloo Innovation (Norway) and delivered by a strong European consortium with partners from five countries. This collaboration brings together expertise in sports innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and gender equality. From the Netherlands, Orange Sports Forum contributes by connecting participants to the wider European SportsTech ecosystem through workshops and networking activities.
SPRINGBOARD 2 responds to persistent structural inequalities. Female-led startups still receive only a small share of venture capital investment, while female elite athletes often conclude their sporting careers with fewer financial resources and limited business experience. At the same time, they possess distinctive strengths, including leadership under pressure, problem-solving skills, and deep insight into sports practice and user needs. These qualities position them well to develop innovative solutions for the sports sector.
The project follows a practice-oriented approach, offering flexible training modules tailored to the realities of (former) elite athletes. In addition, a European digital mentoring and networking platform is being developed, providing participants with long-term access to mentors, role models, and international connections. Beyond individual development, SPRINGBOARD 2 also aims for structural impact by formulating policy recommendations that promote more inclusive practices across the sports and innovation sectors.
Over its 24-month duration, SPRINGBOARD 2 will directly support at least 100 female athletes across Europe. In the short term, participants will strengthen their entrepreneurial and digital skills; in the medium term, this will lead to new startups and sustainable networks. In the long term, the project contributes to reducing the gender gap in sports innovation and aligns with European objectives on gender equality and economic growth.
Through SPRINGBOARD 2, the consortium invests in diverse leadership as a driver of innovation. By supporting female elite athletes in their next career step, the project delivers a tangible contribution to a more inclusive and future-proof SportsTech ecosystem in Europe.
