TEMPE, Ariz. (Sept. 7, 2022) - The Global Sport Institute and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University are teaming up with the Arizona Lottery’s Gives Back program to support ASU’s Global Sport Venture Challenge - a pitch competition designed to assist entrepreneurs in launching and scaling sport-related startups. Applications are now open and will be accepted until Oct. 23, 2022. Finalists will be announced in November and will be competing for up to $50k in grant funding. The program will culminate with a live pitch competition on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at ASU’s Demo Day.

Arizona State University was recently selected to participate in the AZ Lottery’s Gives Back program. Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars from Arizona Lottery ticket sales go to programs and organizations doing good in four key areas: higher education, health and human services, environmental conservation, and economic and business development. ASU will be utilizing these funds to encourage, educate, and support young entrepreneurs building products and services focused on, but not limited to: venue innovation, immersive technology, fan engagement, athlete training & performance, mental health, sustainability, NIL, data analytics, sustainability, and community relations/social impact.

“The Arizona Lottery is proud to partner with the ASU and to support their Global Sport Venture Challenge,” said Arizona Lottery Executive Director Gregg Edgar. “We recognize the benefits that the business of Sport brings to Arizona and we want to foster the development of our next generation of entrepreneurs. As a significant driver of our state’s economy, the Lottery is always looking for ways to help create jobs and generate revenue in Arizona for years to come.”

Representatives from ASU and the AZ Lottery will jointly select the winners of the challenge during ASU’s Demo Day in December. In addition to the $50,000 prize, the Global Sport Institute and Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute will supply the winner(s) of the venture challenge with promotional resources, workshops, and 1:1 mentorship.

“We’re very excited to partner with the AZ Lottery on our latest Global Sport Venture Challenge,” said Jeff Kunowski, Global Sport Institute Associate Director of Innovation Programs. “ASU’s focus on education, innovation, and economic development align perfectly with the mission and values put forth through the AZ Lottery’s Gives Back program. We look forward to seeing all of the great ideas coming out of this year’s program.”

The program framework will be provided through Edson E+I Institute’s Venture Devils program and will conclude with a live demo day pitch competition on Dec. 3, 2022. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with Arizona State University to apply. Those interested in joining the pitch competition can learn more about ASU’s venture programs and apply here:

http://asu.startuptree.co/event/s/W9vMpR5Y38PjjoJjcQuDHB/Global-Sport-Venture-Challenge-presented-by-Arizona-Lottery