Burnley FC Launches Innovation Hub to Accelerate Sports Technology Start-Ups.

Roger Hampel

Image: Burnley Football Club

Burnley Football Club has announced the launch of the Burnley FC Innovation Hub, a six-month accelerator programme designed to pilot and validate early-stage sports technology solutions within a live Premier League environment. The initiative, backed by club owner ALK Capital, aims to address operational and performance challenges both on and off the pitch.

Programme Overview Burnley Innovation Hub

The Burnley FC Innovation Hub will select two to three start-ups to run pilot projects with direct access to:

• Club staff and decision-makers

• Elite training facilities

• First-team and academy athletes

• Operational data and feedback loops

  
  

The programme requires no upfront investment from participating companies and is intended to deliver fast validation, product refinement, and a pathway to strategic partnerships.

Key dates:

• Applications: Mid-August – October 2025

• Pitch Day: Mid-November 2025

• Pilot Testing: December 2025 – May 2026

• Review & Next Steps: June 2026

  
  

Focus Areas for Start-Ups

Burnley FC is seeking applied solutions with working products in two primary categories:

Football Performance – scouting, athlete management, cognitive training, performance analysis, medical and nutrition innovation.Fan Experience – fan journey management, smart stadium solutions, retail and social commerce, marketing and media engagement.

Strategic Context

The Innovation Hub reflects a broader trend of football clubs acting as live testbeds for technology innovation, offering start-ups an agile environment for proof-of-concept validation and access to industry networks.

Alan Pace, Chairman of Burnley FC and Managing Partner at ALK Capital, brings over a decade of sports management experience, including prior leadership roles in US sports franchises. The ownership group’s network includes high-profile figures in sports and media, providing start-ups with potential connections beyond the Premier League.

What Participants Gain

• Testing and Validation: Real-world pilots with performance data and user feedback from players and coaches.

• Visibility and Credibility: Association with a Premier League club to enhance market positioning and investor appeal.

• Strategic Access: Direct engagement with club executives and ALK Capital leadership to explore partnership or investment opportunities.