I still remember the first time I ran a mile in high school. I wasn’t fast, I wasn’t even prepared – I had Converse sneakers on and the kind of confidence only a teenager with no concept of lactic acid could carry. But what I lacked in speed, I made up for in something magical: the sheer joy of movement. No sports tech, no tracking, no devices. Just pure, unmeasured exhilaration.

These days, sports tech and fitness look a little different—smarter, sleeker, and, dare I say, cooler. But that feeling? The high-five-your-heart joy? Still here. And that’s thanks to a new generation of sports tech entrepreneurs who are putting fun, emotion, and data into motion. Let’s meet five founders who are turning sweat into celebration, one brilliant invention at a time.

1. Bren Kugamoorthy – Founder, Elev8 & Perform (Toronto, ON)

“Performance isn’t just about going faster or lifting more—it’s about listening to your body and helping it respond with intention. That’s the kind of data we build for: the kind that makes you feel more human, not less.” — Bren Kugamoorthy

Bren isn’t just building wearables—he’s building superpowers. A former athlete and scientist, he combined his love for performance with cutting-edge nano-quantum tech to create Elev8. Bren is regenerating and preserving bone and tendon tissue in the joints through nano‑wearable tech, working with academic institutions, international athletes, and military personnel to improve human longevity, resilience, and recovery. But what makes Bren’s story special? He started with a simple, heartfelt mission: helping people feel like their best selves.

At local races and wellness expos, you’ll find Bren talking with everyday athletes and elite performers alike—passion in his eyes, science at his fingertips. His product isn’t just about beating your last time—it’s about listening to your body and showing it some love along the way.

2. Alicia Chong Rodriguez – Founder, Bloomer Tech (Costa Rica / USA)

Alicia Chong Rodriguez is the founder of Bloomer Tech, a fem-tech company born from her MIT research. She engineered a smart bra embedded with stretchable ECG sensors to monitor women’s cardiovascular health with medical-grade accuracy. Alicia’s mission? To bridge the gender gap in heart health data by creating wearable tech that’s both powerful and comfortable

Her elegant yet high-tech design lets users passively track heart activity, data that’s helping redefine women’s health diagnostics—all while making the wearer feel seen and heard.

3. Mehrsan Javan & Craig Buntin – Co-founders, Sportlogiq (Montreal, QC, Canada)

Mehrsan Javan, a computer vision expert, and Craig Buntin, a former Olympic figure skater, co-founded Sportlogiq in Montreal to make advanced sports analytics accessible through AI. By analyzing standard game footage, their technology extracts thousands of data points—tracking players, movements, and strategies without the need for extra hardware.

Today, Sportlogiq powers decision-making for top NHL, soccer, and football teams. But their mission goes beyond pro sports—it’s about making elite insights available to every coach, athlete, and fan, turning invisible plays into visible progress.

4. Pauline van Dongen – Founder, Pauline van Dongen Studio (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

“Technology in fashion shouldn’t just look smart—it be smart.” — Pauline van Dongen

Pauline van Dongen is a Dutch designer blending fashion with technology to create garments that are both functional and emotionally resonant. From solar-powered coats to light-responsive running shirts, her Amsterdam-based studio transforms tech into wearable art that enhances how we move, feel, and connect.

Her designs go beyond performance—they invite mindfulness and sustainability. Whether it’s a jacket that responds to touch or clothes that charge your phone with sunlight, Pauline’s work shows that wearable tech can be both innovative and deeply human.

5. Dan Giuliani – CEO, Volt Athletics (Seattle, WA)

Dan doesn’t just build strength training programs—he builds confidence. As CEO of Volt Athletics, he leads a team creating AI-powered fitness plans for individuals, tactical units, and entire sports teams. With smart recommendations and scalable coaching, Volt is turning couch goals into championship habits.

Also, what sets Dan apart is his approachability. He writes about burnout, coaching mistakes, and moments of doubt with the same clarity he brings to strength programming. Volt isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about lifting each other. Every rep, every stat, every win is built on that philosophy.

Conclusion: Sports Tech

The intersection of sports and technology is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The leaders highlighted in this article exemplify how innovation can elevate performance, foster inclusivity, and inspire a new generation of athletes powered by sports tech. As we look to the future, their work serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a more connected and empowered athletic community.​

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