SPORTS
INNOVATION
SUMMIT
April 9.-12.2026
Connecting Science, Industry & the Crowd
The Sports Innovation Summit is the place to initiate research cooperations between science and industry.
3 Sessions | Key Focus Areas
Excellence on Snow
April 9-10
The Art & Science behind the perfect Turn – Biomechanics, Sensors, Computer Vision & AI
Sports Equipment Technology
April 10-11
Industrial Design, Material Science, Manufacturing Technologies for Performance & Sustainability
Health Fitness and Nutrition
April 11-12
From Farm to Fitness, Science Technology and Sustainable Nutrition
Talks, Workshops & Matchmaking
What sets our summit apart from traditional events is our core focus on active collaboration. Rather than just listening to speakers, our Workshops and Matchmaking Sessions are the true heart of the event. The primary goal of these sessions is to collaboratively develop new ideas and business models alongside a highly diverse group of participants, including: Leading scientists, Entrepreneurs from a wide variety of industries and Professional and amateur athletes.
Schedule & Process
Afternoon Sessions: Pitches & Ideation (April 9th, 10th, and 11th)
3:00 PM – Project Pitches: We kick off each afternoon with a hybrid session (on-site and via Zoom). Every participant is invited to give a short, 7 to 10-minute presentation introducing their current projects.
4:30 PM – Matchmaking & Workshops: After about an hour and a half of pitches, we transition into our matchmaking and ideation workshops.
Note on Hybrid setup: While you can join these afternoon workshops online, we highly recommend participating in person for the best interactive experience.
Morning Sessions: Workshops on the Slopes
Our mornings are dedicated to unique ski workshops directly on the mountain.
Because of the dynamic outdoor setting, online participation is not possible for the morning sessions.
Pricing & Accomodation
Summit Participation: Completely free of charge.
Accommodation: We are offering an exclusive 50% discount for our attendees at our partner Hotel Alte Post.
Excellence on Snow | 09.-10.04.2026
The Art & Science behind the perfect Turn – Biomechanics, Sensors, Computer Vision & AI
Herbert Mandl
Skiakademie
Herbert Mandl is a highly accomplished Austrian ski coach and former athlete who led elite national teams to multiple World Championship and Olympic successes.
With decades of experience shaping top-level performance, he is recognized for building winning teams and driving innovation in alpine skiing.
Prof. Alexis Lussier Desbiens
University, Sherbrooke
Prof. Alexis Lussier Desbiens leads the Createk Design Lab at the Université de Sherbrooke, where he revolutionizes alpine skiing analysis using distributed IMU sensors and instrumented equipment. As a co-founder of Sooth Ski, he leverages these biomechanical and material data to objectively characterize ski performance and optimize equipment selection
DI (FH) Dr. Elisabeth Häusler
Salzburg Research
Dr. Elisabeth Häusler leads the „Human Motion Analytics“ research group at Salzburg Research, specializing in digitalization across sports, mobility, and intelligent connectivity. Her data-driven research, developing innovative solutions from alpine safety to health applications, has been recognized with the prestigious Houska Prize.
Dr. Christoph Thorwartl, MEd
Salzburg Research
Dr. Christoph Thorwartl is a researcher in Human Motion Analytics at Salzburg Research, driving innovative sports and movement analysis through advanced sensor and motion technologies. For his data-driven research in skiing and winter sports, he has received multiple awards – an inspiring force in sports innovation and technology.
Mag. Michael Nendwich
VSSÖ
As Managing Director of VSSÖ and President of FESI, Mag. Michael Nendwich is a leading advocate shaping the future of the European sporting goods industry. Combining his grassroots retail background with a deep passion for sports, he actively champions startups to drive next-gen innovation across the sector.
Prof. Bernhard Hollaus, PhD
MCI Innsbruck
Prof. Bernhard Hollaus, PhD, is Head of Research for Health Tech and Professor of Sports Technology at MCI. With a focus on technical developement and innovation in the field of health tech, he is making technologie in the sports and health sector fit for the future. he is equaly valued by partners and students for his great commitement to teaching, research and networking.
FH-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Börge Kummert
FH Campus 02
A Professor of Innovation Management since 2006, he blends academic expertise with entrepreneurial practice. Using TRIZ and creativity techniques, he turns complex challenges into systematic product and service innovations.
Valentin Peiker
Duotone
Valentin Peiker is a Project Manager and innovation strategist based in Munich, Germany. With an MSc in Technology & Management from the Technical University of Munich, he specializes in guiding products from concept to market, bridging technical innovation and business strategy. Valentin has led cross-functional projects, in the Watersports Industry for Boards & More GmbH (Duotone Kiteboarding), that turn complex challenges into actionable solutions, with a focus on technology, sustainability, and user-centered design. He thrives on collaboration across disciplines, transforming ideas into impactful, real-world innovations.
Ing. Mag. (FH) Ernst Novak
Innovation Salzburg GmbH
Ernst Novak works at Innovation Salzburg, where he focuses on building innovation ecosystems at the intersection of sport, technology, and entrepreneurship. He connects startups, companies, researchers, and athletes to foster new ideas, business models, and collaborations that drive the future of the sports industry.
DI (FH) Markus Eckelt, MSc
FH Technikum Wien
Markus Eckelt heads the Competence Field Sports Engineering, Biomechanics & Ergonomics, overseeing quality-assured, practice-oriented teaching and research in key degree programs such as Biomedical Engineering and Sports Technology.
Sports Equipement Technology | 10.-11.04.2026
Industrial Design, Material Science, Manufacturing Technologies for Performance & Sustainability
Dipl.-Ing. Valentine Troi
Universität Innsbruck
Valentine Troi conducts research at the University of Innsbruck on bio-based composites, developing sustainable alternatives to fossil materials. Her focus lies on applying plant fibers in high-performance areas, such as the innovative reinforcement of sports equipment with hemp.
Dr. Christian Rabe
Fraunhofer IAP
As principal investiogator of Chromogenic Polymers at Fraunhofer IAP, Dr. Christian Rabe develops intelligent materials that react to pressure, temperature, and light. His work paves the way for smart sports gear with integrated visual sensing and adaptive surface properties.
Dr. Kurock Yessica
Sherbrooke
Combining her passion for skiing with engineering, Yessica Kurock researches the durability of composite materials to drive eco-friendly innovation in winter sports. At the Université de Sherbrooke, she develops life cycle analysis methods to evaluate and improve the longevity of high-performance ski equipment.
FH-Prof.Ing.MMag.Dr. Anton Sabo
FH Technikum Wien
A pioneer in his field, Anton Sabo established the Sports Technology program at FH Technikum Wien. He remains a key figure in discussing the evolution and future impact of engineering in sports.
DI (FH) Stefan Litzenberger, PhD, MSc
FH Technikum Wien
DI (FH) Stefan Litzenberger, PhD, MSc is the Program Director for the Bachelor’s program in Sports Engineering & Ergonomics and the Master’s program in Sports Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, where he combines research, teaching, and international program work.
Prof. Dr. Anne Hecksteden
University of Innsbruck
Prof. Dr. Anne Hecksteden is a sports physician and former elite inline skater, advancing research on training, injury prevention, and recovery at the University of Innsbruck.
She bridges clinical expertise and elite‑sport applications to optimize performance and athlete well‑being.
DI Alexander Wagner
KVT Technology
Alexander Wagner is a Process Engineer at KVT specializing in the development and production of bio-based epoxy resins for high-performance applications.
With solid hands-on experience in resin manufacturing optimization, and resin recycling, he contributes to bring forward sustainable material solutions.
Health Fitness & Nutrition | 11.-12.04.2026
From Farm to Fitness: Science Technology and Sustainable Nutrition
MMag. Judith Haudum, MSc
sportnutrix.com
Judith Haudum is a sports nutritionist and sports scientist with over a decade of experience supporting elite athletes and organizations across multiple disciplines.
Combining strong academic expertise with hands-on practice, she helps optimize performance, health, and recovery through evidence-based nutrition strategies.
As the founder of Sportnutrix, she works with international teams and institutions, translating science into real-world impact in high-performance sport.
Prof. Dr. Nicole Amberg
MedUniWien + KL
Prof. Dr. Nicole Amberg is a developmental neuroscientist with a broad research background in brain, immune, and stem cell biology – inspiringly connecting science, diversity, and communication.
She is a passionate advocate for Women in Science, promoting visibility, networking, and equal opportunities for women in research.
Dr. Paul Vesely
MedUni Graz
Dr. Paul Vesely founded the Scientific Unit Metabolism of Lung Regeneration to understand how our lungs cope with enviromental challenges. His group aim to strengthen the lungs natural regeneration capacity and identify better strategies to treat chronic lung dieases in future.
Some of the companies attending the SUMMIT
Don´t miss the oportunity
About the organizers
Mag. Christoph Zarfl
MotionManager
Mag. Christoph Zarfl is the founder of MotionManager and the initiator of the Sports Innovation Summit, bringing together expertise in sports science, innovation management, and strategic tourism development.
With international project experience and deep roots in sports, he connects research, industry, and mountain sport to drive innovation in St. Anton am Arlberg.
Peter Mall
St. Anton am Arlberg
Peter Mall is Managing Director of St. Antoner Fremdenverkehrsförderungs GmbH and a key driver of the strategic tourism development of St. Anton am Arlberg.
With more than two decades of leadership in infrastructure and major international sporting events, he combines deep regional expertise with a strong global network in sport and tourism.
Location
Hanes Schneider Weg 11
6580 St. Anton am Arlberg
Participation in the Sports Innovation Summit is free! The morning workshops take place on skis on the mountain – please note that a lift pass is required and must be purchased individually. Please register here!
3 exclusive partner hotels
in St. Anton am Arlberg
After selecting your arrival and depoature date you will recieve discounted prices for your stay during the Summit – book here!
Budget friendly partner hotel
in Pettneu am Arlberg
The Arlberg Boutique Hotel is located in Pettneu.. A free shuttle bus brings you directly to St. Anton. Find the special prices for the Summit here! Book via email: welcome@arlbergboutiquehotel.com
The project, funded by the federal government, the state, and the European Union, aims to develop innovation partnerships in the field of sports. Get involved with your ideas and find the right business partners.