Galway based software company RugbySmarts has been selected for the next phase of a strategic partnership with the IRFU.
RugbySmarts is one of three companies which has been chosen by the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland to test and validate their products with the sporting organisation.
Their SaaS platform uses AI and Computer Vision to give coaches the power of video analytics.
It is customisable to each individual coaches needs, which in turn allows them to focus fully on the aspects of the game that they deem most important, and takes automatic game highlights.
Scott Walker, IRFU Director of Strategy and Technology said, “The IRFU is excited to work with MoveAhead, RugbySmarts and Brace, over the coming months.”
He added that they are “eager to learn from Ireland’s innovative entrepreneurs”, and working with these companies is a “perfect opportunity to support each other as well as developing the game of rugby.”
This is part of a strategic innovation partnership between the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland aimed at enabling Irish innovators and start-ups in the sport tech sector to get access to the organisation at an early stage of their product or services development.
The partnership will run for two years, and allow the selected companies to trial, test and validate their products in an elite sports organisation.
In turn the IRFU has the ability to access early-stage technology and create an innovative environment to remain competitive in a rapidly changing sporting landscape.
Following an ‘IRFU Technology Call’ in recent months, an open competition was held where 10 finalists were selected to pitch their technology solution to the IRFU.
Three companies were selected as part of the 2023 programme to work with the IRFU and participate in the programme over the next nine months.
Keith Brock, Senior Development Adviser with Enterprise Ireland, said that they are committed to nurturing Irish talent.
“This partnership with the IRFU will foster the growth of these Irish start-ups and their cutting-edge solutions,” he said.
“This collaborative opportunity will offer these companies, which are Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-Up companies, an unrivalled opportunity to utilise their products and services, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.”
