France to boost Sportech sector through AI and investment

French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has announced plans to accelerate the development of the ‘Sportech’ sector, which now represents a cumulative turnover of over one billion euros. Speaking at the Station F incubator in Paris, Ferrari highlighted the rapid growth of the industry, noting that 389 startups have been identified, with 150 now exceeding one million euros in annual revenue.

The Ministry of Sports aims to focus on several strategic areas, including climate change adaptation, health and aging, and the evolution of economic models related to media rights and ticketing. Artificial intelligence is a central pillar of this growth; 88% of Sportech companies already utilize AI, with 18% placing it at the core of their business operations. Applications include performance analysis, refereeing assistance, spectator experience, and carbon footprint reduction.

To support this ecosystem, the Ministry will dedicate one million euros over three years to industry support, working alongside Bpifrance to facilitate incubation and access to financing. The government intends to leverage solutions tested during the Paris 2024 Olympics to position France as a global leader in sports innovation.