Sports Tech Takes Center Court: Inside the STHQ Showcase at the Indy Classic
The Indy Classic, a premier college basketball doubleheader, got a serious tech upgrade this year. Sports Tech HQ (STHQ) powered the event, transforming Gainbridge Fieldhouse into a showcase of innovation with 16 cutting-edge sports tech companies taking center stage.
A Concourse of Innovation
Fans arriving at the Fieldhouse were greeted by an impressive display of technology on the concourse. Companies like Ganance (wearable device), EDGE Sound Research (immersive audio experiences), Dallara AK Esports (sim racing), RefReps (officiating training), and Sogility (soccer training) offered interactive experiences that brought the future of sports to life.
But the action wasn’t limited to the court. Before the games tipped off, 11 other sports tech companies engaged attendees with dynamic programming, highlighting the diverse applications of technology in the sports industry.
Bridging Athletics and Academia
One of the biggest announcements of the day was a new partnership between STHQ and Purdue University’s Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC). This collaboration will see RESEC move its facilities to Indianapolis, fostering closer ties with the city’s thriving sports tech community.
A panel discussion featuring Jeffrey Hintz (STHQ), Ken Halpin (Purdue Athletics), Jan Anders Mansson (RESEC), and David Umilis (Purdue Indianapolis) explored the intersection of sports tech, athletics, and academia. The conversation emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the future of sports.
Spokenote Badges: A Keepsake for the Sports Tech HQ Showcase
To ensure that guests had a lasting memento of their experience at the STHQ Showcase, Spokenote, an Indianapolis-based sports tech company, created a custom commemorative ticket and name badge for every attendee. Each badge included a personalized QR code that transformed their physical souvenir into a digital experience, empowering guests to upload video memories and easily share about their experience on social media. Spokenote is no stranger to leveling-up the gameday experience, having won the NBA’s Changemaker of the Year Award in 2024.
Tech-Powered Planning
Even the event planning itself got a tech boost! STHQ utilized VOW, a guest management and event planning platform, to streamline operations. VOW founder Jennifer Brisman, a recent graduate of the Techstars Sports Accelerator, was on hand to showcase the platform’s capabilities.
“Our goal for the STHQ Showcase at the Indy Classic was to immerse fans in the world of sports tech from the moment they walked into Gainbridge Fieldhouse. We wanted them to experience firsthand how technology is transforming how we play, watch, and engage with sports,” says Jeffrey Hintz, Executive Director of Sports Tech HQ. “More importantly, we wanted them to leave with a deeper understanding of our mission to establish Indianapolis as a global epicenter for sports tech innovation.”
The Indy Classic capped off an action-packed weekend for sports tech in Indianapolis. The One-Zero Conference and Techstars Demo Day provided additional platforms for companies to connect, pitch their products, and demonstrate the transformative power of technology in sports.
The STHQ Showcase at the Indy Classic demonstrated the incredible momentum of the sports tech industry in Indianapolis. By bringing together athletes, fans, entrepreneurs, and academics, STHQ is creating a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives. This event was a slam dunk for the future of sports.
STHQ Staff
Jan 21 2025
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Ecosystem News