• Where Sport Meets Innovation

    BRT SportLab connects students, staff, alumni, and partners to power the future of sport technology, health, and social innovation.

  • Sport is changing fast - from how we play and train to how we connect communities. BRT SportLab gives those ideas a home.

    From wearable tech and AI to sustainable design, the global sports-innovation landscape is growing rapidly. But it’s not just about performance, it's about community, wellbeing, and designing smarter, fairer ways to stay active.

  • Here’s what the landscape looks like today:

    £45 Billion

    Projected global value of the sports-technology market by 2030

    13.8% Annual Growth

    Average yearly expansion of the global sport innovation sector

    3,000+ Companies

    European sport-tech start-ups driving innovation across performance, wellbeing, and sustainability

  • What We Offer

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    Incubation & Mentoring

    Turn your idea into a tested concept or startup, with tailored enterprise coaching from Bright Red Triangle.

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    Expert Collaboration

    Tap into knowledge from across Napier’s five Schools — from AI and data to sport science and storytelling.

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    Testing & Prototyping

    Use facilities like Surf Lab and the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland to experiment, test and refine your product or service.

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    Funding & Partnerships

    Get connected to grants, investors and industry partners who can help you grow.

  • Innovation Across Every Discipline

    Sport innovation thrives on collaboration and at Edinburgh Napier University, every School plays a part. From computing and business to health and the arts, our expertise powers BRT SportLab’s interdisciplinary approach.

    School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment

    Pioneering in AI, machine learning, digital twins, and sustainable infrastructure - shaping the next generation of smart sport systems and facilities.

    School of Arts & Creative Industries

    Home to design, storytelling, and digital media - turning data and ideas into engaging experiences through creative technology and sports journalism.

    School of Applied Sciences

    Experts in sport, exercise, and health - from biomechanics and human performance to rehabilitation and community wellbeing.

    The Business School

    Specialists in entrepreneurship, innovation management, and sport marketing - helping ideas become sustainable ventures with global reach.

    School of Health & Social Care

    Driving impact through sport for health, recovery, and mental wellbeing - exploring how physical activity supports healthier communities.

  • Together, our Schools form an innovation ecosystem, connecting research, enterprise, and creativity to drive the future of sport.

  • Our innovation themes

    BRT SportLab focuses on four key areas where technology, creativity and wellbeing meet, building a better future for sport and society:

  • SportTech & Data

    Digital twins, AI, and smart infrastructure

    Social Innovation & Health

    Sport for wellbeing, inclusion, and social impact

    Sustainability & Design

    Greener products, circular economy thinking, and resilient event planning

    Digital Media & Engagement

    Creative storytelling and fan engagement for a connected sport experience

  • Real Impact in Action

    Our community is already turning ideas into impact - from waves to wheels, from data to design. Here are a few examples of sport innovation, the Napier way.

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    Surf Lab @ Lost Shore Resort

    Testing surfboards, sensors, and wave technologies.

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    MTB Centre of Scotland

    Turning mountain biking into an economic and environmental success story.

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    Football Innovation Scotland

    Using tech and data to support referees and improve decision-making.

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    FS Team Napier

    Student-led racing, engineering, and design excellence.

  • Built for Innovators, Wherever You Play

    BRT SportLab is open to everyone in our ecosystem — whether you’re starting out, researching, or ready to scale your idea.

    Students

    Work on real innovation challenges and launch your own projects.

    SMEs & Partners

    Collaborate, co-develop, and test new solutions with our experts.

    Alumni

    Reconnect with Napier and build ventures that matter.

    Staff

    Translate research into commercial and social impact.

  • Get Involved

    Whether you want to pitch an idea, partner with us, or explore innovation opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

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