Shakhtar Donetsk Links With HYPE Sports

Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk has teamed-up with Israel-based HYPE Sports Innovation to become an accelerator of sports start-ups.

The Ukrainian side will launch the SPIN accelerator, a programme aimed at inviting Ukrainian start-ups to propose innovative solutions in areas related to sport, such as fan engagement, big data, smart stadium, and more.

The start-ups selected during the selection process will then be invited to become partners of Shakhtar FC.

Tel Aviv-based HYPE runs a network of 8 SPIN Accelerators around the world as well as activities with federations and brands, connecting them to thousands of sports start-ups.

The company’s activities are aimed at leading to investment and implementation of innovation in the various leading sports sectors globally.

“Thanks to the operation of the accelerator, the Ukrainian sports start-ups will be able to become a part of the global sports and IT market for the first time ever and to receive funds for their development,” said Yuriy Sviridov, FC Shakhtar Communications Director.

He added: “Shakhtar is interested in new technology that will enable the club to raise the fans’ interest in attending matches and help the team to win every game and claim trophies.”

Amir Raveh, HYPE Sports Innovation’s Founder and President, said: “It’s our honour to partner with Shakhtar, a team that has such impressive achievements on local and European level.”