IIT Madras has embarked on a mission to transform India’s sports ecosystem by becoming the nation’s technological backbone in sports science and analytics. This new initiative, developed over four years, aims to bridge the gap between technology and sports in India, similar to the synergies seen in other critical sectors like defence and space.

Prof. Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula, Head of the Centre of Excellence, stated that the primary objective of this centre is to align with the broader goals of the government and to help build a tech-enabled sporting ecosystem in India

One of the key pillars of this initiative is the promotion of a thriving startup ecosystem within the sports industry. Recognising the potential of young innovators and the support from an eager investor community, the centre aims to create an environment where startups can flourish. 

“We chose to double-click on creating a startup ecosystem because young men and women wanting to build products for the country, coupled with a supportive investor community, are most likely to buy into this vision upfront,” Dr. Panchagnula explained. 

Indigenisation of sports technology is another crucial aspect of the centre’s vision. Dr. Panchagnula highlighted the current reliance on imported infrastructure in elite athlete establishments, which the centre seeks to change. 

“When we visit elite athlete establishments, the infrastructure available to our athletes today is largely imported. We aim to change that by encouraging ‘Make in India’ sporting technologies. As we have often heard, when you make in India, you can really make for the world,” he said. 

In addition to technological advancements, the centre is also keen on integrating digital learning platforms specifically tailored for athletes. “We want to create customised content with the IIT Madras brand backing it, offering a platform that athletes can rely on both during and after their athletic careers,” Dr. Panchagnula noted. 

As IIT Madras continues to innovate and push the boundaries of sports science and technology, the Centre of Excellence in Sports Science Analytics stands as a beacon of progress. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, startup support, and educational initiatives, the centre is set to elevate India’s sports landscape, fostering a new era of tech-driven athletic excellence.