LISBON – November 12, 2026 -- IBM selected LivXP, a Swiss-American agentic AI startup, as winner of its Sports Tech Startup Prize Challenge at Web Summit Lisbon, ahead of six other finalists. The grand prize includes up to $100,000 toward a proof-of-concept project with IBM's Sports and Entertainment Partnership Team.
Prize package carries conditions on funding and credits
The $100,000 is earmarked for an eligible proof-of-concept project and is subject to separate review and agreement requirements. The package also includes up to $20,000 in IBM credits for services and technology, plus mentorship and evaluation opportunities under the Official Rules.
LivXP sells impulse commerce to sports organizations in 150 countries
LivXP was accelerated at the Harvard Innovation Labs. It operates AI-powered impulse commerce infrastructure for sports, covering auctions, experiences and sponsor activations timed to moments of peak fan emotion. Federations, clubs, international events and U.S. college programs, from the Tour de Suisse to Boston College Athletics, use its white-label platform to reach fans in 150 countries.
CEO and Co-Founder Ashima Saxena said AI lets sports organizations capture this revenue at scale without adding staff. She said LivXP will work with IBM's Sports & Entertainment Partnerships Team to bring impulse commerce to more clubs, sponsors and fans.
IBM Chief Communications and Brand Officer Sarah Meron cited the "technical innovation and practical application" of the solution. She said IBM sees potential to enhance its work with global sports and entertainment partners.
Seven invited finalists pitch to a four-member panel
The finalists pitched in an invitation-only round. The other six were Fanory, Neuron Systems, PressBox, NTangible, Proximity Works Inc. and Noiz. Their products span fan intelligence, multi-agent live commentary, AI content and marketing, athlete cognitive assessment, real-time engagement engineering and sports matching.
The judging panel comprised Meron; Marc Gené, Ferrari Ambassador at Scuderia Ferrari HP; Brad Smith, Headlines Anchor at CNN; and Frederico Gil, founder and CEO of FREDGIL Academy.
Year-long program ran across five showcase venues
IBM launched the challenge at Web Summit Lisbon 2025. It then ran startup showcases at Web Summit Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, at a16z Tech Weeks in New York and San Francisco, and in virtual forums. IBM states that the showcases did not confer eligibility, ranking, priority or advancement in the Prize Challenge.
The program drew participants from sports, media and venture capital, including Maria Sharapova and representatives of a16z, USTA Ventures, Sony Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, FIFA and Powerhouse Capital.