James Demetriou receives an AM for his contribution to building Australia’s booming sportstech sector

Spanning 40 years, Demetriou has played a major role in Australian sport and is a respected leader in sports business, sports governance and sports technology. As the co-founder of ASTN, Demetriou has contributed significantly to the development of Australia being recognised as one of the top six sportstech clusters globally over the past decade.

ASTN was established in 2012, when the sportstech sector had a total revenue of A$250 million per annum, employing around 2,500 people. According to ASTN’s 2025 Sports Innovation Report, the sector now generates A$5.65 billion per annum, now employing 17,928 people.

James has actively mentored more than 150 startups through ASTN programs, offering strategic guidance and support to founders in the ASTN network. Dr Martin Schlegel, Chair of ASTN says that James’ love of sport, and his belief in the talent of Australia’s young businesses to thrive on the global stage, have been the driving force behind building a thriving sportstech ecosystem.

“James’ vision back in 2012, has been instrumental in ASTN’s success, helping to drive the growth of the sector and shaping the sportstech ecosystem that we celebrate today. Based on James' pioneering efforts and the programs he helped to build, ASTN provides fast-tracked pathways for the next generation of Australian sports technology companies,” said Dr Martin Schlegel, Chair, ASTN.

“We congratulate James’ for this prestigious achievement and thank him for his commitment to the sportstech sector. James has invested a phenomenal amount of time and effort over a 10-year period as Honorary Executive Chair and had the strategic foresight to drive development of Australia’s emerging sportstech sector,” said Craig Hill, ASTN co-founder.

“I’m very honoured and humbled to be recognised with so many distinguished Australians. I owe so much to my immediate family, my brothers and our parents for their encouragement and inspiration. Sport has been a cornerstone with Pascoe Vale Football Club, the Essendon Football Club and of course ASTN, especially Craig Hill and Martin Schlegel,” reflected James Demetriou.

Demetriou continues to serve as an advisor to the ASTN’s Australian Sports Innovation Centre of Excellence (ASICE) Advisory Council.

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview with ASTN, please contact Tara Ballard on 0436 330 267 or Tara.ballard@astn.com.au

ABOUT ASTN

Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) provides leadership in the commercialisation, development, and promotion of Australian-inspired Sports Technologies. Established in 2012, ASTN is today a world-leading pioneer with over 850 organisations in its national network across the landscape of Sports Digital, Sports Research, Stadium/Venues, Media, Entertainment, eSports, Human Performance, Fan Engagement, Sports Data, Artificial Intelligence in Sports, Sports Equipment, Sports Smart Apparel and Sports Universities.