The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow’s (IIM Lucknow) Enterprise Incubation Centre (EIC) has joined hands with LegaXy, a company that works in sports, media, and entertainment, and the famous cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Together, they are starting India’s first special program to help new companies in sports technology, eSports, and gaming grow faster. This program is made to support young startups working in areas where sports, gaming, online sports competitions, and modern media meet. These fields are growing very quickly in India’s digital market.
IIM Lucknow EIC’s Role in Nurturing Gaming and Sportstech Startups
Operating from IIM Lucknow’s Enterprise Incubation Centre, the accelerator program integrates cutting-edge academic research with practical business mentorship and industry partnerships. The goal is to find and help startups that create technology to improve athletes' performance, make sports fans more involved, and boost India’s place in the gaming and eSports world.
Startups joining the program get special guidance from experts at IIM Lucknow’s EIC. They also get a chance to work with top sports organizations, creating a supportive environment that helps these startups grow and bring new ideas to life.
Program Structure and Benefits Offered by IIM Lucknow Accelerator
The accelerator program will start on 30th December 2025 and will last for 10 months. It includes live online classes with teachers from IIM Lucknow and a 3-day in-person experience at the IIM Lucknow campus. The program will accept 10 carefully chosen startups for the first batch. Applications to join will open in early 2026.
During the program, participants will get help in building their technology, growing their business, and planning how to reach customers. The program also provides a place for startups to research and try out new ideas where sports, media, and technology come together.
Insights from IIM Lucknow and Industry Leaders
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the famous cricketer, said that sports and entertainment are changing a lot. He believes that programs like this accelerator will help bring new ideas and technology to sports, gaming, and the experience of fans. This will help make India a leader in sports entertainment.
Yamini Bhushan Pandey, the head of IIM Lucknow’s Enterprise Incubation Centre, said that this program is made to help startups that are working on new technology and media in sports. Their goal is to support these startups and help them succeed.
