Sports Innovation Breakfast: Laying the Groundwork for the Next Runtastic
19 June, 2026
Program Director Stefan Litzenberger discussed a more closely networked sports innovation ecosystem with leading figures from the worlds of sport, media and start-ups.
“When will the next Runtastic come along?” This question was discussed in May at the Sports Innovation Breakfast at weXelerate in Vienna by a panel of representatives from the sports, media, and startup scenes. Among the participants was Stefan Litzenberger, Program Director for Sports Engineering & Ergonomics and Sports Technology.
The event’s starting point: With Runtastic, Eversports, and myClubs, Austria has demonstrated that world-class companies can emerge from the sports sector. The discussion focused on how a connected ecosystem can systematically generate more such successes and what role artificial intelligence already plays in training management, sports medicine, and the fan experience.
“Overlaps Exist”
In addition to Litzenberger, speakers included ÖOC President Horst Nussbaumer (OLY), Michaela Huber (Vice President of SPORTUNION Austria), Klaus Müller (founder of Wictory), Thomas Berger (Managing Director of LAOLA1), and Conny Wilczynski (founder of Sportbox). “It has become clear that there are many overlaps, commonalities, and puzzle pieces that, when brought together, can certainly improve the sports ecosystem and take it to the next level,” says Stefan Litzenberger.
Connections Between Sports, Entrepreneurship, and Research
The focus was on missing connections between sports organizations, entrepreneurs, research, and capital. Litzenberger emphasized the importance of practical bridges: projects in which students collaborate with federations, clubs, and startups can generate new solutions—from data-driven training applications to innovative fan services. “A stable sports ecosystem opens up opportunities for students, enables hands-on projects, and fosters entrepreneurial thinking among students,” said Litzenberger.
