the ISPO brandnew awards - the industry's most established start-up recognition programme
Following online applications and expert pre-judging, shortlisted brands pitch live on the ISPO BrandNew Launchpad Stage in front of retailers, investors and media.
ISPO BrandNew is the world’s leading startup platform for the sports and outdoor industry - offering global reach, industry relevance, high-profile visibility and established credibility across the international ecosystem.
BORN Accelerators brings deep expertise in startup curation, evaluation frameworks, investor readiness and growth support, while connecting founders with relevant investors, industry experts and strategic partners.
By entering the BrandNew Awards, you have access to an optional Investor Layer, giving selected startups additional visibility towards investors, strategic partners and growth-focused stakeholders within the ISPO BrandNew ecosystem.
Important Dates
- 5 June – Applications Open
- 2 August – Applications Close
- 11 September – Shortlisted Startups Announced
- 4 November – Live Category Pitches at ISPO
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5 November – Category Winners Pitch for the Overall BrandNew Award
From Award Recognition to Real Business Opportunity.
The next chapter of ISPO BrandNew is about more than identifying promising startups. It’s about helping the right companies become visible, understood, connected and prepared for their next stage of growth.
Participating startups benefit not only from enhanced brand exposure, but also from meaningful opportunities to build industry relationships, engage with investors and unlock scaling potential.
This year’s programme introduces a clearer application, pre-screening and judging process designed to identify startups with genuine substance, market relevance and long-term potential.
The experience is now built to deliver value before, during and after the event - including webinars, judging preparation, live pitch opportunities, investor meetings and ongoing follow-up support.
award categories
- Performance, Health & Equipment
- Retail, Digital & Software Innovation
- Sustainability & Materials
- Outdoor & Adventure
- Category pitches will take place on Day 1 of ISPO.
- Winners of each category will pitch against each other on Day 2 to compete for the overall BrandNew Award.
what to expect
If shortlisted, you will:
- Deliver a pitch to a panel of judges and investors live at ISPO
- Have access to expert pitch preparation advice
- Be eligible to compete for the overall BrandNew Award
- Have acess to a curated investor programme by BORN Accelerators
- Be included in official BrandNew marketing & communications
Winners Receive
- ISPO BrandNew Award presentation on the BrandNew Launchpad Stage and recognition at the ISPO 2026 After-Party
- Complimentary BrandNew pod at ISPO 2027
- Invitation to the ISPO After-Party on the evening of 4 November
- PR and social media exposure
- Featured news update on the ISPO website
- Increased industry credibility and investor visibility
- Winner Support Package focused on investor readiness
who can enter?
Only Exhibitors in the BrandNew Village can apply for the ISPO BrandNew Awards.
If you have not yet booked your Pod in the BrandNew Village, please fill out the form. An member of the ISPO team will reach out to you to secure your spot.
