IBM Announces Winner of Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge at Web Summit Lisbon 2026
IBM named LivXP the winner of its Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge at Web Summit Lisbon 2026, awarding $20,000 in credits and mentorship for its AI-driven fan engagement platform used by sports organizations in 150 countries.
IBM announced LivXP as the winner of the IBM Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge at Web Summit Lisbon 2026, recognizing the Swiss-American company for its agentic AI platform that enhances fan engagement through impulse commerce, auctions, and sponsor activations. The platform operates as a white-label solution for federations, clubs, and events, including the Tour de Suisse and Boston College Athletics, enabling organizations to monetize emotional fan moments at scale without additional staffing. LivXP’s technology integrates with existing sports ecosystems to deliver personalized experiences across 150 countries, positioning it as a scalable solution for global sports organizations.
The Prize Challenge featured seven finalists selected from a global pool of sports technology innovators, who pitched their solutions to a judging panel including IBM’s Sarah Meron, Ferrari’s Marc Gené, CNN’s Brad Smith, and FREDGIL Academy’s Frederico Gil. LivXP’s win was praised by IBM’s Chief Communications and Brand Officer, Sarah Meron, who highlighted the company’s technical innovation and practical application in creating engaging, personalized fan experiences using AI. The judging process spanned a year of startup showcases at Web Summits in Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, and Lisbon, as well as a16z Tech Weeks in New York and San Francisco, culminating in the invite-only finale in Lisbon.
LivXP, accelerated at the Harvard Innovation Labs, will receive up to $20,000 in IBM credits for services and technology, mentorship opportunities, and evaluation opportunities as part of the Grand Prize. The company’s co-founder, Ashima Saxena, emphasized the platform’s ability to capture revenue from emotional fan moments without increasing operational overhead, aligning with IBM’s focus on AI-driven solutions for sports and entertainment partnerships. The Prize Challenge underscores IBM’s commitment to bridging startups with enterprise clients in the sports industry through real-world applications of emerging technologies.
The IBM Sports Tech Startup Challenge, launched in partnership with Web Summit, is part of IBM Ventures’ broader mission to connect innovative startups with enterprise clients, leveraging IBM’s sports partnerships as a proving ground for scalable technologies. IBM has over 30 years of collaboration with iconic sports organizations, including Wimbledon, the US Open, the Masters Tournament, Scuderia Ferrari HP, and UFC, using AI to deliver deeper insights and richer digital experiences for fans worldwide. The 2026 program included showcases and judging sessions involving influential figures from sports, media, and venture capital, reinforcing IBM’s role in fostering innovation within the global sports ecosystem.