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The winners of the 2024 ANZSTA - ANZ Sports Technology Awards have been presented to leading innovators in Australasia’s sports tech sector, with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Mark Thompson and James Demetriou.

The awards were announced last week to an enthusiastic audience on the rooftop of Gate 8, Jolimont House overlooking the MCG, AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and the Melbourne skyline during Australia Sports Innovation Week (ASIW).

The 2024 ANZSTA - ANZ Sports Technology Awards category winners are:

• Olly Timing - Stadium & Venue Technology
• Nobody’s Princess - Fast Growth Award
• Areto Labs - Social & Fan Engagement
• VADR Media - Gaming & Esports
• Rookie Me - Sports & Analytics Data
• Bar TV Sports - Broadcast & Media Technology
• GravityFit - Sports Performance & Coaching
• SportsBlock - Sports Management Technology
• Lifetime Achievement Awards - Mark Thompson and James Demetriou.

Mark Thompson
Thompson founded, grew and exited SponServe via selling the business to US-based Kore Software, a platform for managing partnerships and fan engagement for sports teams, brands, and organisations across the world (now acquired by Two Circles).

After continuing to work with Kore Software, he has now finished his follow-on roles with the company.

More recently, he has been added to the line-up of experienced executive mentors in ASTN’s growth program and is actively working on building a venture capital sports tech fund and venture studio right here in Australia.

James Demetriou
Demetriou has contributed significantly to the development of Australia as one of the global leaders in sports technology.

A co-founder of the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) in 2012 with Craig Hill, until 2022, he served as the founding Chair of the not-for-profit member-based organisation mentoring founders, building and developing the capacity of the sector as well as promoting Australia's capabilities in sports tech.

Under ASTN’s stewardship, the sector grew from 150 companies, generating $250m in revenue in 2012 to 750 companies, generating more than $4 billion in 2022. During that time, the first sports tech accelerators in the APAC region were created (now delivered nationwide).

Demetriou led multiple trade and business matching missions being regarded as a relentless promoter of ASTN.

After receiving his award, Demetriou wrote “I am thrilled to announce that I have been awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ANZ Sports Tech Awards for my contributions to the Australian Sports Tech industry.

“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners for their outstanding impact on the global sports industry.

“A big thank you to ASTN, Dr. Martin Schlegel, the executive team, board members, past and present, for their unwavering support.

“Special appreciation to STWS and John Persico for facilitating collaboration with STWS in 2017, and to the federal government, especially former Minister for Sport, The Honourable Kate Lundy, for their pivotal role in nurturing the Sports tech industry, which is now valued at $4.75 billion, supporting 798 companies and 13,500 staff.

“I am grateful for the continuous support from the Victorian government since 2016, ensuring the sustainability of ASTN, and also to the Queensland and Western Australian governments for establishing a truly National footprint. Heartfelt thanks to mentors, friends, and family for their love and guidance.

“To the ASTN family of companies and individuals, your dedication to the sports industry is truly inspiring, with products that positively impact millions worldwide. Thank you all, and may you continue to prosper.”

Main image: James Demetriou receives his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 ANZSTA - ANZ Sports Technology Awards.

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