SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TENNIS
The USTA Connect Innovation Challenge
The USTA is launching the inaugural USTA Connect Innovation Challenge — a nationwide open-call for tech innovators, engineers, and startups to build the next high-impact digital solution for the game of tennis.
Build Technology That Changes the Game
Whether you have an existing product, an enhancement to an existing solution, or a brand-new build, we want to see how your technology idea can optimize the sport, enhance player experiences, or help us reach our goal of inspiring 35 million tennis players in America by 2035.
Selected participants will gain exclusive access to premier USTA and US Open datasets to power their prototypes. Submissions will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges, including USTA representatives, venture capitalists, and a member of the IBM team. The top three finalists will receive fully funded travel to the USTA Connect event at the 2026 US Open to pitch live, and one grand prize winner will take home $10,000 along with invaluable exposure across the USTA ecosystem.
Applications close on July 3, 2026. Dont wait to make your mark on the game.
Access Exclusive Data
Build with real USTA + US Open datasets.
Player Development Insights
Event + Competition Datasets
Participation Trends
Match Performance Data
Challenge Focus Areas
We welcome open-ended innovation, but your solution should directly support the growth of tennis by aligning with one of our core focus areas:
Pro Tennis
Match Insights & Next-Gen Stat Development:
Transforming raw tennis metrics into advanced, actionable performance insights.
Live Match Engagement & Storytelling:
Creating immersive, data-driven visualizations to deepen fan engagement during live play.
Mission-Driven
Hyper-Personalized Player Experiences:
Leveraging technology to customize gear, training, or match-play to fit an individual’s unique playing style, skill level, and biomechanics.
Next-Gen Performance Analytics & Talent ID:
Utilizing computer vision, AI, and wearable tech to evaluate athlete movement, streamline scouting, and democratize access to elite analytics.
Democratizing & Scaling the Player Pipeline:
Building stronger, accessible tech pathways to smoothly transition grassroots and youth players into elite competitive tiers (collegiate/professional).
Open Category
35 Million Players by 2035:
Participants are invited to submit products or innovations explicitly designed to support and achieve the overarching USTA mission of reaching 35 million tennis players by 2035.
What You Can Win
Grand Prize: $10,000 cash prize for the winning product or startup.
US Open Showcase: The top 3 finalists will receive fully covered travel to New York to pitch live at the USTA Connect event during the US Open on September 3, 2026.
Ecosystem Integration: Gain strategic exposure within the tennis tech community.
Key Timeline & Milestones
- June 15: Applications Officially Open
- July 3: Application Deadline
- July 11: Dataset Access Granted to Selected Teams
- August 9: Product Submissions Due
- August 17: Top 3 Finalists Announced
- September 3: Live Pitch & Winner Selection at the USTA Connect Event at the US Open
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for US-based builders, engineers, and startup companies capable of delivering a usable prototype or proof of concept.
Eligibility Note: This challenge is open to the public, tech startups, and USTA Section employees or volunteers. All applicants must be US-based. Due to conflict-of-interest regulations, current USTA National employees, USTA National contractors, and USTA National vendors are not eligible to compete. Top 3 finalists must be available to travel to the US Open on September 3.
Ready to transform the court?
Take your tech to the biggest stage in sports.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The USTA Connect Innovation Challenge is a skill-based contest sponsored by United States Tennis Association Incorporated and is subject to the Official Rules. Open only to eligible U.S. individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States or D.C. and at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in their state of residence, if higher), and to eligible U.S. business entities entering through an authorized representative. Current USTA National employees and current USTA National vendors with active contractual relationships are not eligible. Entry deadline: July 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Void where prohibited. Winners are determined by judging based on the published criteria; a purchase will not increase chances of winning. See Official Rules for complete eligibility requirements, judging criteria, prize details, and other terms.
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