Latest news with #GolfweekTechLab
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Wicket comes away big winner as Golfweek's Tech Lab makes 'major' move to Charlotte
Wicket comes away big winner as Golfweek's Tech Lab makes 'major' move to Charlotte Show Caption Hide Caption Wicket wins Golfweek Tech Lab grand prize Wicket's facial authentication platform took home the $25K prize at Golfweek Tech Lab, presented by T-Mobile for Business. The 2nd annual Golfweek Tech Lab, presented by T-Mobile for Business, was held in Charlotte. 18 startups competed for awards in five categories, plus a grand prize. Wicket, a facial recognition ticketing system, won the grand prize. Other category winners included VRTL, Platform Golf, and Play Anywhere. If the first Golfweek Tech Lab, held in 2024 at the PGA of America's new Frisco headquarters, proved the perfect starting point for a new festival focused on golf innovation, this year's gathering in Charlotte — just days before the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow — cemented the event as a major player in the yearly golf calendar. With 18 startups on site, the second annual event, again presented by T-Mobile for Business and produced by Golfweek and underdog venture team, included a session with Scott Gutterman, the PGA Tour's SVP/digital and broadcast technologies. 'If you look back across the history of the sport, the sport has always evolved, the sport has always changed,' Gutterman said. "We will always uphold the tradition of the game, but we want to be looking forward. We want to be looking forward to what does golf mean to new and developing demographics.' That sentiment was echoed by others at the conference, one that saw a guest panel of judges, including venture capitalists and business leaders from the world of golf. That group selected the winners of a best-in-show competition with participating companies hoping to earn recognition across five categories, as well as a grand prize. The judges evaluated each startup based on set criteria, including video submissions, onsite demonstration, and presentation to judges. The winners were announced by T-Mobile's SVP of Systems Realization Grant Castle. The grand prize winner was Wicket, which uses facial recognition to scan people into sporting events by linking them with their tickets. According to its mission statement, Wicket features a "biometrics platform that enhances the experience for fans, guests, and employees while providing a smooth, seamless experience for clients and teams, allowing them to leverage existing assets effectively." The company is based in Massachusetts. The category winners were: Fan Engagement: VRTL Athlete Performance: Platform Golf Digital & Media: Play Anywhere Business Solutions: Wicket 5G: Wicket According to Nate Scott, the vice president and general manager of sports and events for Gannett, Golfweek's Tech Lab was an unmitigated success. "I'm delighted with our second year of Tech Lab. I'm a geek for this stuff, and seeing how entrepreneurs are imagining the future of the sport is always super exciting to see," Scott said. "Golf has had a reputation for being set in its ways, yet I think there's as much experimentation and innovation happening in the sport as any other."
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Save 15% on Golfweek Tech Lab registration with this special code
Save 15% on Golfweek Tech Lab registration with this special code Golfweek Tech Lab begins in less than one week and there are still limited tickets available to this exclusive industry event. This year's meeting of golf innovators will take place May 12-13 at the JW Marriott Charlotte, conveniently just before the upcoming 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. Golfweek Tech Lab presented by T-Mobile for Business features a curated lineup of technology startups set to transform the game and business of golf and will bring together leaders from across the golf world including brands, investors, media, tournament directors and more. USA TODAY and Golfweek are teaming up to give their readers a special discount to the golf summit, enter code GTL15 at checkout for 15% off your registration fee. Save 15% on Golfweek Tech Lab tickets Check out the video below for a recap of the 2024 event: Golfweek Tech Lab tickets Over the course of two days, Tech Lab attendees will have the opportunity to engage and hear from each startup, network, connect directly with founders, and hear from key leaders on advancements in the business of the sport. Tickets to the 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab event are still available. Save 15% on Golfweek Tech Lab tickets
USA Today
21-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
2025 Golfweek Tech Lab presented by T-Mobile for Business announced
2025 Golfweek Tech Lab presented by T-Mobile for Business announced After a successful debut in 2024, Golfweek, Gannett Co., Inc.'s leading golf publication announces the return of the Golfweek Tech Lab presented by T-Mobile for Business. The second annual exclusive industry event will take place May 12-13 at the JW Marriott Charlotte, prior to the PGA Championship at the renowned Quail Hollow Club. In collaboration with underdog venture team, Golfweek Tech Lab presented by T-Mobile for Business brings together top leaders from the startup, venture investment, and golf communities. The event features a curated lineup of technology startups set to transform the game and business of golf. 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab will feature 18 emerging companies that are driving innovation within the golf industry, including using 5G to deliver advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, smart equipment, and fan engagement platforms. These companies represent the cutting edge of technology, offering solutions that optimize player performance, revolutionize course management, and enhance the overall experience for golfers at every level and fans watching on the course or at home. 'Following a successful debut last year, this event has become a key touchpoint for the future of golf, offering insights into transformative technologies and business opportunities,' said Nate Scott, Vice President, Sports Revenue Strategy. 'We're proud to partner with underdog and our presenting sponsor, T-Mobile for Business, to deliver another exceptional Tech Lab experience.' T-Mobile for Business is a leader in innovation with expertise in 5G connectivity and enterprise solutions to support the digital transformation of the golf industry. Companies at this year's event will be competing in a new Best in Show category for technologies that use 5G. Honorees will embody T-Mobile for Business' commitment to unlocking new levels of efficiency and engagement through next-generation connected technologies. '5G-connected tools and apps are unlocking new insights and experiences across sports, entertainment and business just like they are for golfers and golf fans alike,' said Grant Castle, SVP Systems Realization at T-Mobile. 'Being a part of the GolfWeek Tech Lab gives T-Mobile an inside-the-ropes view of the technologies shaping the future of the sport and our advanced 5G network with cutting-edge connectivity are helping bring them to life.' 'We are thrilled to bring the Golfweek Tech Lab back for a second year, expanding on our success in Frisco and continuing to foster innovation within the golf industry,' said Dan Mannix, Co-founder of underdog venture team. 'With Charlotte as our new host city and the PGA Championship as a backdrop, we are eager to create an unparalleled experience for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.' To purchase tickets for the 2025 Golfweek Tech Lab visit:
