The Rise of Sportstech and Gaming in India

India’s digital economy is experiencing explosive growth, and the sports and gaming sector is at the forefront of this transformation. Over the past five years, the Indian gaming industry has witnessed a compound annual growth rate exceeding 20%. Projections indicate that the online gaming market will reach a staggering ₹66,000 crore by 2028, driven by increasing mobile penetration and digital adoption. eSports, in particular, is anticipated to grow at an impressive 25% annually, solidifying its position as a significant force in both entertainment and commerce.

This rapid expansion has created a critical need for organized platforms that can nurture innovation and translate it into sustainable businesses. The newly launched accelerator directly addresses this demand, providing a comprehensive ecosystem of research, mentorship, and market access.

A Synergistic Partnership: LegaXy, IIM Lucknow EIC, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The accelerator’s strength lies in the complementary expertise of its founding partners. LegaXy brings its deep understanding of athlete management, sports branding, and content creation to the table. The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow – EIC contributes its academic rigor, entrepreneurial expertise, and extensive investor network. And Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a respected figure in Indian cricket, lends his experience and influence as a sports ambassador.

“The game is changing, both on and off the field,” stated Bhuvneshwar Kumar. “Initiatives like this accelerator will fuel innovation, helping startups transform sports, gaming, and fan experiences while positioning India as a global leader in sportainment.”

The accelerator, physically based at IIM Lucknow’s EIC, will function as a hub for academic research, business mentorship, and industry connections. Participating entrepreneurs will receive structured guidance on crucial aspects of business development, including seed finance, go-to-market strategies, and domain-specific knowledge. They will also benefit from coaching by IIM Lucknow EIC specialists and engagement with prominent sports organizations.

Mohammed Sirajuddin, Founding Advisor, LegaXy, emphasized the scale of the opportunity: “Sports & Gaming are no longer niches, they are $300B+ industries. For India to claim 5% of that market, we must invest in structured accelerators – that support with funding, mentoring & scaling the next wave of World class Sportstech/eSports/Gaming Ventures from India to the world.”

Yamini Bhushan Pandey, Managing Director & CEO, IIM Lucknow -EIC, added, “Our collaboration with LegaXy marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s SportsTech and innovation ecosystem. Through this Sportstech Acceleration Program, we aim to empower startups that are redefining the intersection of sports, technology, and new-age media, enabling them to scale globally with the right mentorship, market access, and investor support. At IIML-EIC, we remain committed to nurturing future-ready ventures that drive sustainable impact and contribute to India’s growing innovation narrative.”

Amitesh Shah, Founder and CEO of LegaXy, highlighted the power of the partnership: “This partnership between IIM Lucknow EIC, LegaXy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar represents a powerful fusion of academia, entrepreneurship, and sporting excellence. Together, we’re building an ecosystem that will accelerate innovation and help shape the future of SportsTech, eSports & Gaming in India.”

The accelerator will focus on supporting early-stage enterprises developing technologies that enhance athletic performance, elevate fan engagement, and foster the growth of India’s competitive gaming and eSports ecosystem. What innovative solutions do you foresee emerging from this accelerator that could revolutionize the fan experience?

Looking Ahead: Applications and Future Impact

The inaugural cohort of the accelerator will comprise ten carefully selected businesses. Applications will open in the first quarter of 2026, following a nationwide call for proposals and a rigorous review process conducted by a joint panel from LegaXy and IIM Lucknow EIC. The accelerator will also serve as a dedicated research and experimental ground for exploring the evolving relationship between sport, media, and technology.

With the Indian sports and gaming landscape poised for continued expansion, initiatives like this accelerator are crucial for fostering a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem. Will this accelerator inspire similar programs across other emerging sports markets?

For further insights into the growing sports tech industry, explore resources from SportTechie and Front Office Sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of the Sportstech/eSports/Gaming Accelerator?

  The accelerator focuses on supporting early-stage companies developing technologies that improve athletic performance, enhance fan engagement, and grow India’s competitive gaming and eSports ecosystem.

• When will applications for the accelerator open?

  Applications are scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026, following a nationwide call for proposals.

• Who are the key partners involved in this initiative?

  The key partners are LegaXy, a sports and media management agency; the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow – Enterprise Incubation Centre (EIC); and cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

• What kind of support will participating entrepreneurs receive?

  Entrepreneurs will receive structured mentorship on seed finance, go-to-market strategy, domain expertise, coaching from IIM Lucknow EIC specialists, and access to investor networks.

• What is the projected growth of the Indian online gaming market?

  The Indian online gaming market is projected to reach ₹66,000 crore by 2028, driven by increased mobile usage and digital penetration.