By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The GSIC Testing Lab Valencia marked the completion of its inaugural year with an industry showcase at La Harinera, releasing performance metrics that position the city as an international epicenter for sports technology validation.
Jointly managed by the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft and promoted by local government authorities through Valencia Innovation Capital, the center attracted 34 organizations from over 20 countries in its first 12 months.
The initiative bridges international sports technology ventures with regional institutions, providing real-world testing environments for emerging products. Over its first year, the lab conducted six live-condition pilot projects spanning artificial intelligence, sports performance, biomarkers, facility management, digital access control, and racquet sports technologies.
“When we launched the Testing Lab, our ambition was to make Valencia a place where sports innovation could be tested, validated and turned into real business opportunities,” said Iris Córdoba, managing director of the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft. “One year later, we are seeing international companies working with local organizations, startups gaining access to industry decision-makers and new collaborations emerging that probably would not have happened without this project.”
International firms from Taiwan, Argentina, Italy, Estonia, Germany, and the United Kingdom utilized the facility to validate software and hardware solutions. In total, 61 startups pitched directly to executives, federations, and investors, while more than 1,000 industry leaders participated in center-hosted programs.
Municipal and regional officials highlighted the initiative’s broader economic impact on the region’s technology sector.
“For Valencia, having a space such as the GSIC Testing Lab means turning innovation into real opportunities for the city: attracting companies and talent, creating new connections across the sports and technology ecosystem, and providing an environment where solutions can be tested and validated under real-world conditions,” said Paula Llobet, councillor for innovation and investment attraction at Valencia City Council.
Local integration formed a core component of the operational strategy. More than 40 Valencian sports organizations engaged in center programming, and 200 training licenses were distributed for an artificial intelligence in sports curriculum developed alongside tech-education platform Founderz.
“The Generalitat considers that the objective for which this center was created has been fully achieved: to become an international benchmark for technology and innovation applied to sports science, while also serving our sports ecosystem,” said Luis Cervera, director general for sport at the Generalitat Valenciana.
The lab also served as a launchpad for regional talent, hosting the national final of the Red Bull Basement competition. The winning local team from Universitat Politècnica de València advanced to represent Spain in Silicon Valley, finishing among the top 10 projects globally.
Beyond local operations, representatives from the center participated in 23 international industry events, presenting the Valencia ecosystem to roughly 21,000 executives across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.
Looking ahead, the facility is preparing to expand its certification and testing frameworks. The center will host its primary annual gathering, the GSIC Summit Valencia 2026, on Oct. 7–8, bringing together global sports bodies, investors, and technology developers.
About GSIC Testing Lab
The GSIC Testing Lab is the applied innovation laboratory of the Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft, located in Valencia. It is designed to accelerate the testing, validation, adoption, and scaling of technology solutions in Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Health.
Managed by GSIC and promoted by the Valencia Region and Valencia City Hall through València Innovation Capital, the Testing Lab connects startups, technology companies, corporates, and sports organizations with real-world testing environments, strategic partners, and business opportunities. Its mission is to support technology adoption, and position Valencia as an international benchmark for applied sports innovation.
