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Edisn.ai and SeatServe triumph in Euroleague Fan XP Innovation Challenge

Euroleague Basketball has named Indian and US technology companies edisn.ai and SeatServe as the victors of its 2020 Fan XP Innovation Challenge.

The announcement is the conclusion to a process that saw 84 applicants, representing seven countries from three continents, whittled down to 10 finalists earlier this month.

The 10 finalists all met the challenge’s stated goals of offering solutions to create the best fan experience possible in one of three fields – broadcast-related fan engagement; in-arena fan engagement and/or smart arena solutions; and fan engagement through digital platforms.

Each of the 10 finalists made a three-minute pitch to a jury in Barcelona earlier this week and then fielded questions about their product, their history and their roadmap to profitability. Edisn.ai was chosen as the Jury’s Choice winner and SeatServe was celebrated for best pitch.

Edisn.ai is a company that created an AI computer vision platform that uses proprietary player recognition technologies to deliver enhanced fan engagement and provide additional monetisation opportunities for content owners. Euroleague Basketball, the organising body of the EuroLeague and EuroCup continental club competitions, believes its tech has the potential to enhance the experience for remote spectators.

SeatServe, a New York-based company founded by Israelis, provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for venues, stadia and arenas. Its platform enables both in-seat delivery and express pickup services. Fans can use SeatServe through a web-based app that can also be integrated into any team, venue or league app.

The 10 finalists also participated in different sessions with Euroleague Basketball executives with the aim of designing potential future pilot tests to be executed in the future.

Earlier this month, Euroleague Basketball launched a new Reporting Hub that will enable fans to report any inappropriate behaviour witnessed inside arenas. The launch of the new initiative followed Euroleague Basketball’s new in-arena code of conduct implemented at the start of the season. The code of conduct is applicable to every individual inside venues and calls for spectators to respect players, officials and fellow fans.

The Reporting Hub, which is designed to “maximise enjoyment” during games, is accessible through Euroleague Basketball’s website and will enable fans to discreetly report any issues they see relating to the code of conduct.