Nike Is Launching Its Own Tech Accelerator

Proving Nike is just as much a tech company as an apparel one these days, Nike is taking a bold move to tap into start-ups who would like to build on its Nike+ platform. Nike and famed tech accelerator, TechStars, have come together to create the Nike+ Accelerator program, which will host 10 start-ups for a three-month Portland-based accelerator program that aims to leverage the success of the Nike+ platform to support digital innovation. The Nike+ Accelerator will accept applications from companies aiming to use Nike+ technology to create products and services that will inspire athletes across a broad range of activity and health goals including training, coaching, gaming, data visualization and quantified self.

The Nike+ Accelerator begins in March 2013 and will run through June, culminating in technology investor demonstration days including a day at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, and a day in California's Silicon Valley.

Once the companies have been selected, Nike will provide development tools, office facilities, technical platforms and support to create solutions leveraging the Nike+ Application Program Interface (API) and Nike+ mobile Software Development Kit.

Nike will also support the companies by providing access to a select list of Nike executives and external mentors. Mentors include Stefan Olander, Nike’s Vice President of Digital Sport; David Cohen, founder and CEO of TechStars; Naveen Selvadurai, co-founder of Foursquare; and quantified-self guru Tim Ferriss. TechStars says its mentoring model has attracted more than $275 million worth of venture capital for the companies that have participated in past programs over the last six years of operation.

The application deadline is February 3, 2013. For details and to apply, visit nikeaccelerator.com.

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