28DIGITAL and EPSI (European Platform for Sport Innovation) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership designed to accelerate project creation and business development across the European sports ecosystem. The agreement formalises a shared commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening advocacy efforts, and creating new opportunities for sports entities within 28DIGITAL’s and EPSI’s communities and beyond.
The partnership brings together 28DIGITAL’s expertise in digital transformation, startup acceleration and policy engagement with EPSI’s extensive network in sport and physical activity. By aligning their respective ecosystems, the two organisations aim to stimulate collaborative projects, facilitate access to European funding opportunities and reinforce joint lobbying and policymaker engagement at EU level.
A central pillar of the collaboration is the promotion of inclusive sports innovation, with particular attention to Paralympic development and accessibility-driven solutions.
Beyond high-performance contexts, the partnership is aligned with broader European efforts to expand access to sport for young people and persons with disabilities, such as Sport For All, a flagship joint project between the European Union and the Council of Europe, focused on breaking down systemic barriers and combating discrimination, including online hate speech, against persons with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
At the policy level, the collaboration also resonates with the European Commission’s forthcoming communication, “A Strategic Vision for Sport in Europe: Strengthening the European Model of Sport,” expected to be adopted in the fourth quarter of 2026. This landmark roadmap is intended to safeguard sport as a public good that benefits everyone, regardless of background.
Through their partnership, 28DIGITAL and EPSI aim to contribute actively to this evolving European agenda by translating policy ambition into practical action. For members of both communities, the cooperation will offer enhanced access to joint events, collaborative sports innovation master initiatives, structured startup support and increased visibility within a strengthened European network.
One of the first flagship activations under the new partnership will be the Speed Master initiative, scheduled for May 2026, which will convene startups, corporates, investors and sports stakeholders to accelerate inclusive and market-ready innovation.
“This agreement reflects our shared ambition to empower sports organisations with the tools, networks and strategic support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Federico Menna, CEO of 28DIGITAL. “By combining our digital innovation capabilities with EPSI’s strong marketplace and advocacy platform, we can generate concrete impact for inclusion and competitiveness alike.”
“This partnership will seal new opportunities between the sport and the digital world, allowing tangible innovation to shape the future of our sport sector,” said Alberto Bichi, Executive Director of EPSI.
The MoU marks the beginning of a two-year renewable cooperation, reinforcing both organisations’ long-term commitment to driving sustainable growth, innovation and inclusion in sport across Europe.
