The Future of
Sports Tech
Takes the Stage
Three days of keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and startup pitches from the most forward-thinking minds in the global sports technology ecosystem.
110+ Global Speakers
30+ Conference Tracks
3 Days of Content
Live Startup Pitches
Dubai Harbour · Outdoor Stage
Session Formats
Keynotes
12-20 Sessions
The defining moments of LEVEL UP. Single speakers, global audiences, and the big ideas that reframe how the industry thinks. Maximum 45 minutes.
Panels
15-20 Sessions
Multi-voice discussions moderated by world-class journalists and industry figures. Four to five speakers. Real debate, not rehearsed talking points.
Fireside Chats
8-12 Sessions
The most intimate format on the programme. Two voices, unscripted conversation, and the kind of candour you get when the cameras go off.
Startup Pitches
40+ Pitches
Six minutes. Live judges. Real stakes. The most electrifying sessions at LEVEL UP — where the next generation of sports tech companies get their breakthrough moment.
Workshops
6-8 Sessions
Hands-on, interactive sessions for smaller audiences. Deep dives into specific technology challenges — from AI implementation to data licensing frameworks.
Awards Ceremony
1 Event, Day 3
The inaugural LEVEL UP Innovation Awards — recognising the technologies, companies, and individuals shaping the future of global sport.
Full Agenda
08:30
–
09:30
Opening Keynote: Technology Elevates the Game
The inauguration address setting the tone for three days of sports tech transformation — from Dubai to the world. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
AH
Ahmad Al Hariri
UAE Ministry of Sport
09:45
–
10:30
AI in Elite Performance: From Lab to Pitch
How artificial intelligence is now directly shaping athlete preparation, recovery, and competitive strategy at the highest levels. Innovation Stage A
SO
Dr. Sarah Okafor
NeuroPerfomance Labs
10:45
–
11:30
The Future of Smart Stadiums
Next-generation venue infrastructure: from sensor networks and dynamic pricing to AI-driven fan personalisation at scale. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
JC
James Carter
SmartStadiums Inc.
12:00
–
12:45
Fan Engagement Revolution
The modern fan relationship has fundamentally changed. How clubs, leagues, and platforms are rewriting the rules of audience engagement. Innovation Stage A
MR
Maria Rodriguez
FanTech Global
14:00
–
15:00
Panel: Esports & Traditional Sport — Convergence or Collision?
A candid discussion with executives from gaming, broadcasting, and traditional sports federations on the esports-mainstream divide. Panel Stage B
TW
Tom Wells
SportsBiz Weekly
Moderator
DK
David Kim
SportAI Ventures
LL
Lisa Lee
ESL Gaming
NP
Nico Perez
La Liga
15:15
–
16:00
Wearables & Biosensing: The Athlete Data Revolution
From WHOOP to continuous glucose monitoring — how real-time biometric data is transforming athlete management and reducing injury. Innovation Stage A
YT
Dr. Yuki Tanaka
BioSport Research
16:30
–
17:15
Startup Spotlight: Emerging Technologies in Sport
Six-minute pitches from the most innovative early-stage sports tech companies — judged live by an investor panel. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
CS
Curated Selection
LEVEL UP Startup Zone
08:30
–
09:15
Keynote: The Billion-Dollar Sports Tech Market
A data-driven analysis of where sports technology investment is flowing — and where the next generation of unicorns will emerge. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
DK
David Kim
SportAI Ventures
09:30
–
10:30
Startup Pitch Showcase — Round 1
The first live pitch round of the day. Ten companies, six minutes each, in front of a panel of global investors and club directors. Startup Stage C
SL
10 Startups
LEVEL UP Cohort 2026
10:45
–
11:30
Investing in Sports Tech: A VC Perspective
What makes a sports tech investment thesis compelling in 2026? The partner and portfolio approach from one of the leading funds. Innovation Stage A
ML
Maria Lopez
Future Sports Fund
12:00
–
12:45
Broadcasting & OTT: Rights, Revenue, and the Streaming Wars
The fragmentation of sports rights, the rise of direct-to-fan platforms, and what it means for clubs, leagues, and broadcasters globally. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
JO
James O'Brien
MediaSport Network
14:00
–
15:00
Panel: Governing Bodies and Technology Adoption
How FIFA, World Athletics, and regional bodies are navigating the tension between tradition and technological disruption. Panel Stage B
AW
Anna Williams
SportsPro Media
Moderator
KM
Khalid Al Mansouri
UAE Sports Council
PB
Pierre Bernard
World Athletics
RS
Raj Singh
ICC
15:15
–
16:00
Wearables & Data: From Insight to Decision
How clubs and coaches translate real-time biometric data into pre-match decisions, substitutions, and injury prevention. Innovation Stage A
EM
Dr. Elena Marchetti
DataSport Lab
16:30
–
17:30
Startup Pitch Showcase — Grand Final
The championship round. Finalist companies compete for the LEVEL UP Innovation Award — judged live in front of 5,000+ attendees. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
FS
Finalist Startups
LEVEL UP Stage
08:30
–
09:15
Keynote: Global Sports Innovation Trends 2026-2030
A landmark forward-looking analysis of the macro trends reshaping global sport over the next five years — from the MENA lens outward. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
HZ
Prof. Hassan Al Zaabi
Sports Innovation Institute
09:30
–
10:30
Women in Sports Tech: Breaking the Playbook
How women founders, executives, and athletes are building the next generation of sports technology. Innovation Stage A
AD
Amara Diallo
SheSports Global
10:45
–
11:30
The Next Decade of Sport: A Fireside Conversation
An intimate conversation with one of the most influential AI leaders in global sport on what the next ten years will look like. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
SJ
Sarah Johnson
Nike — Head of AI
12:00
–
13:00
Panel: Sport, Society, and Technology
From grassroots access to national identity — how sports technology should accelerate the transformation of communities. Panel Stage B
CN
Chris Nwosu
BBC Sport
Moderator
OA
Olumide Akintola
Africa Sports Council
LV
Laura Vasquez
Women in Sport Foundation
RB
Riku Bello
UNESCO Sport
14:00
–
14:45
The Recovery Tech Frontier
Sleep technology, cryotherapy, AI-guided recovery protocols and the science behind next-generation athlete restoration programmes. Innovation Stage A
BM
Dr. Ben Marchetti
SleepSport Labs
15:00
–
16:00
Closing Keynote: Where Sport Goes From Here
The definitive closing statement of LEVEL UP 2026 — a vision for global sport's technological future from one of the region's most respected voices. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
AM
Ahmed Al Mansoori
UAE Sports Council
16:30
–
17:30
LEVEL UP Innovation Awards Ceremony
The inaugural LEVEL UP Innovation Awards — recognising the most impactful technologies, startups, and individuals in global sports tech. Main Stage · Harbour Promenade
AL
All Speakers
LEVEL UP Stage
08:00
–
09:30
Private Investor Roundtable: Sports Tech Deal Flow 2026
An exclusive, closed-door session for verified investors and fund managers. Deal flow, co-investment opportunities, and the current sports tech M&A landscape. VIP Lounge — Harbour Suite
ML
Maria Lopez
Future Sports Fund
DK
David Kim
SportAI Ventures
10:00
–
11:30
Closed-Door Strategy Session: Club & Federation Leadership
An intimate gathering of club directors and federation executives. Agenda focused on technology adoption barriers, vendor evaluation, and strategic roadmapping for 2026-2028. VIP Boardroom — Level 2
IE
Invited Executives
By Invitation Only
12:30
–
14:00
VIP Networking Luncheon
A curated, table-assigned networking lunch. Pre-matched by interest area and seniority — one of the most sought-after 90 minutes at LEVEL UP. Waterfront Terrace — Dubai Harbour
HF
Hall of Fame Pass Holders
Exclusive
14:30
–
16:00
Founders & Investors Speed Dating
Structured 12-minute bilateral meetings between pre-screened startups and investors. Maximum three companies per investor. Application required in advance. VIP Startup Suites
SI
Selected Startups & Investors
Curated Cohort
2025 Lineup
Featured Speakers
110+
2025 Speakers
Horst
Bente
Grandson of Adi Dassler, founder of adidas, and founder of Adi Dassler Legacy Ltd.
Adi Dassler Legacy Fund
Jean-Baptiste
Roy
Founding Partner
Asia Sports Tech
Jake
Schuster
CEO
Gemini Sports
Chris
Markham
Sporting Director
Nicolò
D'Ercole
EVP AI & technology Sportradar
Sportradar
Christoph
Sonnen
Co-founder
LEAD.VC
Jamie
Cunningham
Executive Director
ONETOWATCH
Francis
Casado
Co-founder & CRO
3D Digital Venue
Steve
Nott-Macaire
VP of Sales EMEA & APAC
FortressGB
Alberto
Ceres
CEO
Trison
Federico
Smanio
CEO
Wylab
Hicham
Chahine
Founder & Co-CEO
Ninjas in Pyjamas Group
Donald
Yeo
Account Director
Octagon
Saqr
Ereiqat
Secretry General
D2A2
Ammar
Hina
Sports Broadcast & TV Production Expert
Colorbars Consultancy
Jes
Madsen
Director of Football and Data Science
Saudi Pro League
Nikhil
S Nair
Regional Director
Tata Elxsi
André
Antonelli
CEO
Machina Sport
Ryan
McCumber
Founder
Sportstech.ai
Daniel
Hill
Co-founder
Aquivio
Dr.
Meshari F. Alwashmi
CEO & Co-founder
Amplifi
Dr.
Joseph El-Khoury
CEO & Medical Director
The Valens Clinic
Dr.
Michael Liebrenz
Department of Psychiatry
University of Bern
Joe
E. Feghali
Founder
FIT - Fitness.Innovation.Therapy
Mauro
Saraiva
Football Performance Analyst
Qatar Stars League
Mohammad
Ali Abbaspour
Founder and CEO
Sponixtech
Deepen
Parikh
Partner
Courtside Ventures
Rafael
Oliveira
Sr. Director of International & Partnerships
Eight Sleep
Samir
Ceric
Chairman
Ceric & Co
Tareq
Qaddumi
Founder and Creative Director
Out the box
Iris
Córdoba Mondéjar
Managing Director, Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft
GSIC
Raoni
Medina
Player Development Expert
ModernPlay Soccer Consultancy
Rui
Lança
Executive Sporting Director
Al Ittihad Club
Steven
Kilby
Founder and CEO
SportsLive
Rick
Cost
Head of performance at Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais
Budreya
Faisal
Founder and President of Banaat FC
Banaat FC
Sungjin
HONG
Specialized Officer
Interpol
Rohn
Malhotra
Co-Founder
SportsTechX
Tomasz
Kowalczyk
Head of PZPN Innovation hub
PZPN Innovation Hub
Sebastian
Lancestremere
WW Strategic Partnerships Director, Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft
Zur
Karklinsky
Head of Go-to-Market
DAZN
Saud
Al Nowais
Founder of Epic Padel
Epic Padel
Sheridan
Mordew
Award-Winning Fitness & Wellness Entrepreneur
Shape Up Women’s Club
Rebecca
Eliot
Co Founder
ProTouch Sports
Fabio
Prestijacopo
Managing Director
BizAway
Ramzi
Farah
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Razor Capital
David
Wurth
Founder and CEO
PLYR Technologies
Dr.
Greg Bailey
Team Principal
NorthStar SailGP Team
Boutros
Maroun Boutros
Executive Vice president, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand of Emirates
Emirates
Ahmed
Sam
Founder and Head Coach
Lift Focus Grind
Pietro
Allegretti
Founder
Penguinpass
Kenny
Oktavius
Co-Founder & CEO
PointFit Technology Limited
Peggy
Tng
Regional Lead, APAC
GSIC
Tapio
Rosenius
CEO
Skandal Technologies
Andreas
Tsindos
CEO
MWAN Mobile
Toli
Makris
CEO EX Interactive Gaming
EX Sports
Sean
Garnier
Founder of Urbanball
Urbanball
Stephan
Muller
Marketing Director
Whoop
Dave
Catudal
Co-Founder
Forus
Hashem
Aljamal
Founder and CEO
Cypex Group
Saad
Khan
Founder and CEO
GameCentric
Katie
Overy
TV Presenter, Live Events MC and Voiceover Artist
Divyajot
Ahluwalia
Director
wTVision / Quidich
Feizel
Batcha
VP Sports Partnerships
Genius Sports
Maia
Zennie
MENA Ecosystem Lead
Avalanche/ Ava Labs
Zalfa
Farah
Head of Research & Conceptualization
GMOLx
Rémi
Vanecht
Head of Education
Athletes Junction - Hyperice Middle East
Zayed
Hammouri
Excellence Director MEA
Vizrt
Ali
Al Arif
Founder and CEO
WPA (World Padel Academy) / Spadrec Investment
Dr.
Adam Thomas
Founder and CEO
Genletics
Shahrukh
Sohail
Senior Sports and Entertainment Business Manager
Xplere
Hind
Nezzaghy
MCL Co-founder
MENA Champ League (MCL)
Karen
Mattar
Mind & Body Coach
Vadim
Prikhodko
IT entrepreneur and CEO of EasySports
EasySports
Mark
Guildea
Managing Director
Interact
Alexey
Deniskin
CMO of EasySports
EasySports
Become a
Speaker
LEVEL UP selects speakers who are doing the real work — founders building the future, executives making the calls, researchers uncovering the truth.
If you have a perspective the global sports tech community needs to hear, we want to know about it. Submit your application — our programming team reviews every entry.
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LEVEL UP 2025 — Inaugural Edition. Complete the form to receive the full post-show report.