A UNC professor is looking to help fund the next big business idea in the world of sports.

The Sport Court competition will pit hopeful entrepreneurs against each other for a chance to make their business idea a reality. UNC Business School Professor Deb Stroman is organizing the event.

“So we are asking all students, faculty and staff if you have a budding idea for the sport industry, to get involved with our sport version of shark tank,” said Stroman.

In the television show Shark Tank, entrepreneurs pitch ideas to a panal of investors in hopes of getting their ideas funded.

But what ideas would you pitch in a sports version of Shark Tank? Stroman used the example of a popular new wearable device.

“You see everybody wearing these Fit-Bit bracelets right? Some way to chart your fitness activities that started with someone’s creative idea,” said Stroman.

Projects could range from ways to improve fan experiences to new apparel or uniform ideas. Or even an innovation that could improve performance for athletes.

“When you think about the athlete in general, how can we make the athlete, better, smarter, faster?” said Stroman.

Judges from the Kenan Institute’s Center of Sport Business and Analytics will select 8-10 companies that will be invited to pitch in front of a panel of judges on February 19.

If the competition turns out to be anything like Shark Tank, those pitches should be fun to watch.

“Even if you don’t have an idea, come out and participate and listen to the great ideas, listen to the comments from our judges,” said Stroman. “It’s just a great way to bring the community together, it’s all about entrepreneurship, sport, wellness and fitness.”

The winning idea will receive cash and new venture counseling.

The deadline for applications is Friday January 29 at midnight. You can apply here UNC Sports Court

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