Queensland Sportstech Takes Centre Stage at 2025 NRL Magic Round Showcase
As the official delivery partner of the NRL Magic Round Tech Sprint, ASTN led a 10-week program designed to connect the NRL’s strategic priorities with cutting-edge Queensland sportstech companies. ASTN supported the NRL through the Expression of Interest process and helped select eight startups whose solutions aligned with league needs across areas such as performance, fan engagement, safety, and inclusion.
A key feature of the program was the pairing of each startup with NRL subject matter experts, allowing companies to receive direct feedback and validate their solutions within a live sporting environment. ASTN complemented this with a structured workshop series and targeted support, mentoring startups on how to work with a major sporting body like the NRL and providing guidance on gap analysis, product refinement, and commercialisation. ASTN also supported the NRL in assessing and integrating new technologies across its clubs, leagues, and venues.
The program culminated in the NRL Magic Round Tech Showcase at The Precinct in Brisbane, attended by over 150 NRL executives, club representatives, sponsors, broadcasters, and industry stakeholders.
The event was officially opened by The Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Minister for Science and Innovation, who reinforced the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting emerging technology through major event platforms. NRL Commissioner The Hon. Peter Beattie AC spoke to the league’s long-term focus on innovation, athlete performance, and fan engagement.
ASTN Executive Chair Martin Schlegel presented insights into the national sportstech landscape, noting that Australia’s $5 billion sportstech sector represents a significant opportunity for Queensland as it builds momentum toward Brisbane 2032.
The eight Queensland sportstech companies showcased were:
- Crowd Canvas crowdcanvas.com
Mobile fan engagement platform for in-stadium synchronised light shows - Myriad Studios www.myriadstudios.com.au
MVFX and scanning technology to elevate fan engagement and athlete performance - Talk All Sport www.talkallsport.com
MVoice-activated scoring and communications vests for referees - WearOptimo www.wearoptimo.com
MAI-driven micro-wearables to monitor athlete hydration in real time - Imagine Realities www.imaginerealities.com.au
MImmersive motion-sensor experience letting fans “play as NRL players” - Cool Beans Underwear www.coolbeansunderwear.com
MScientifically designed compression garments for athlete health - Australian Armour Company (Fempro Armour) www.femproarmour.com
MProtective vests designed for NRLW athlete safety - Cérge www.cerge.app
MDigital concierge platform supporting accessibility for people with disabilities
Two companies, Imagine Realities and Crowd Canvas, were selected to activate their technologies live at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round, showcasing the value of real-time innovation partnerships.
“This program highlights the strength of Queensland’s sportstech ecosystem and the value of embedding startups directly into elite sport,” said ASTN Executive Chair Martin Schlegel. “It’s also a strong signal of what’s possible when government, sport, and innovation come together.”
ENDS
NRL Magic Round Sportstech Showcase 2025 - Event summary
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 750 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. For more information, please visit www.astn.com.au.