The B-STEP programme, promoted by Barcelona Activa within the framework of the Barcelona Sports Hub, supports the creation, incubation and acceleration of new startups in the sports industry. It aims to promote success stories and generate, capture and retain STEM talent. The initiative targets technological startups related to sport or physical activity that are in the prototyping or business-model validation phase, offering a structured path to turn innovative ideas into solid projects.
Program Structure and Benefits
The B-STEP programme is free of charge and organised into two phases:
• Bootcamp Phase: Up to 20 startups take part in a five-day bootcamp. The first four days focus on defining the business model; day five is a demo day before a selection panel.
• Acceleration Programme: A jury selects 12 startups to advance to the main programme, which runs roughly four months in the 2026 edition (from March 25 to July 8). Participants receive tailored support to accelerate growth.
• Key Benefits: Free workspace at the Glòries Incubator coworking space, personalised advice, specialised mentoring, hands-on training and access to the local sports-tech network.
• Final Prize: At the closing event, the project with the most potential receives a €5,000 prize.
Eligibility and Target Audience
The programme is aimed at pre-seed or seed-stage startups developing solutions in sport or physical activity. Selection criteria include:
• Innovation & Development: A defined idea with clear innovation; an MVP, validated market hypothesis, or advanced prototype is valued.
• Legal Status: Incorporation is not compulsory.
• Team Commitment: Availability of the founding team, with at least one person dedicated 100% to the startup, and strong commitment to the project and programme.
Focus Areas
Projects should fit at least one of:
• Wearables
• E-sports
• Digital training/coaching
• Fantasy sports
• Sports marketplaces
• Physical-activity data software/apps
• Tools for sports professionals
• Social platforms
• Sports content creation
• Development of new materials
• Management tools for sports activities and/or events.
Application and Timeline for the 2026 Edition
• Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
• Bootcamp: March 9–13, 2026
• Programme Start: March 25, 2026
• Closing Ceremony: July 8, 2026.
This initiative is led by Barcelona Activa as part of the Barcelona Sports Hub and is executed in collaboration with AticcoLab, with the support of Ajuntament de Barcelona, providing a direct pathway into the sportstech community.