A new sports technology hub is set to launch at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) thanks to a significant investment from the federal government and the City of Toronto. The Future of Sport Lab x FIFA 2026 Legacy Incubation Hub will receive up to $900,000 in combined funding to nurture Canadian startups in the burgeoning sports technology industry.
The federal government, through FedDev Ontario, is contributing $600,000, while the City of Toronto is adding up to $300,000. This collaboration is designed to support around 60 soccer and other sports tech startups annually, providing them with mentorship, commercialization assistance, and opportunities for pilot projects and international partnerships.
Rechie Valdez, Canada's Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, highlighted the World Cup as an "extraordinary opportunity for Toronto" and emphasized the importance of such partnerships in maximizing these events. The Future of Sport Lab at TMU, established in 2015, has a proven track record of supporting Canadian startups in the sports technology sector, having previously helped graduates raise over $75 million in investments.
This initiative aligns with a broader Canadian strategy to become a global leader in sports innovation. With the growing role of technology in sports, from advanced analytics to AI-driven performance tracking, this new hub is positioned to foster the next generation of sports tech entrepreneurs and solutions, capitalizing on the momentum generated by major international events hosted in Canada.
