Tech Giant ASICS Joins Forces with Saudi Sports for All Federation to Launch Startup Competition
In a strategic move to foster digital innovation in sports and physical wellbeing, global sportswear brand ASICS and the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) have joined forces to launch the ASICS Startup Pitch Competition 2025 in Saudi Arabia [1][4]. This marks the first open innovation platform hosted by ASICS in the Kingdom.
The competition targets startups that combine technology with fitness, proposing digital solutions that inspire movement and enhance wellbeing [1][4]. Eligible startups must be primarily based or registered in Saudi Arabia, at least two years old, and offer a market-ready product or service [1][4].
Applications for the competition are open from June 16 to July 31, 2025 [1][4]. The winner could receive investment and long-term partnership support through ASICS Ventures, while the top three startups will get collaboration opportunities with ASICS. The six finalists will be selected to pitch live in Riyadh on November 2, 2025 [1][4].
Finalists will receive mentorship and strategic exposure to ASICS' global teams across research, development, and marketing. Travel and accommodation will be provided for two delegates per finalist team [1][4].
This initiative supports Vision 2030's goal to increase weekly physical activity and is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to promote active lifestyles [1][2][3]. The program aims to unlock new digital solutions that promote health and happiness in Saudi Arabia.
ASICS and SFA will provide mentorship and strategic exposure to the six finalists. It is worth noting that ASICS opened its first retail store in Riyadh in 2023. Khaled bin Alwaleed, a global investor and Saudi Prince, serves as the President of the SFA [2].
The ASICS Startup Pitch Competition 2025 in Saudi Arabia is a significant step towards enhancing sports innovation globally and aligns with Saudi Arabia's objectives to promote active, healthy lifestyles. Startups interested in applying should visit the official ASICS Innovation Pitch website before July 31, 2025.
- The ASICS Startup Pitch Competition 2025 in Saudi Arabia focuses on startups that develop technology for fitness and wellbeing, proposing digital solutions to inspire movement and enhance wellbeing.
- The competition offers the potential for investment and long-term partnership support through ASICS Ventures to the winner, with collaboration opportunities with ASICS for the top three startups.
- Finalists will receive mentorship and strategic exposure from ASICS' global teams across research, development, and marketing, and travel and accommodation will be provided for two delegates per finalist team.
- This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal to increase weekly physical activity, aiming to unlock new digital solutions that promote health and happiness in Saudi Arabia.
- ASICS and the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) will provide mentorship and strategic exposure to the six finalists, with ASICS having already opened its first retail store in Riyadh in 2023, and Khaled bin Alwaleed serving as the President of the SFA.
