"USTA Connect Innovation Challenge": USTA launches tech startup challenge to promote innovation in tennis ecosystem

The U.S. Tennis Association has announced the launch of a new startup competition titled the “USTA Connect Innovation Challenge.” Expected to be launched this year, the new initiative will act as a platform to evaluate new technologies that can contribute to the growth of tennis.

Among the pool of participants, one U.S.-based technology startup will be selected and receive a $10,000 prize with a potential opportunity to collaborate with the USTA. The USTA Connect, as a data-sharing program has been created by the governing body with 39 partners. The high-profile partners include equipment maker Wilson, racket sports club management platform Court Reserve and SwingVision, a sports analytics app.

The application window for the startup challenge opened on Wednesday and will receive applications till July 3. Out of total applications, only 10-12 startups will be selected in the initial round. These companies will receive USTA datasets (e.g., court databasess, player histories, etc) to use in their presentations.

The next round will see these selected startups give virtual presentations in August. Only three finalists will proceed into the pitch competition at the 2026 U.S. Open on Sept 3. A panel of representatives comprising USTA leadership, USTA Ventures, will evaluate these presentations.

Sportscape believes this initiative will support tennis-based tech startups and encourage new ideas in the sports industry. It also shows how important technology has become in modern sports, especially for improving performance, data use, and fan experience.