The NBA is experimenting with a new smart basketball produced in Europe.

      The NBA is testing a digital brain for basketballs. This initiative comes from SportIQ, a Finnish startup specializing in smart basketballs. Each ball features a valve embedded with a sensor that monitors a player's shots, capturing data on their form, position, angle, power, and technique. This information is then transferred to a mobile app for AI analysis, providing players with immediate feedback and advice.

      SportIQ reports that more than 20 million shots have been monitored, with regular users seeing a 12% improvement in shooting accuracy. The NBA executives were impressed by these results and announced that SportIQ has been accepted into Launchpad, the league's technology incubator.

      Throughout the six-month program, SportIQ will receive practical support and resources from the NBA to further develop its technology, culminating in a presentation to the league’s executives, partners, and investors at the renowned NBA Summer League.

      Erik Anderson, CEO of SportIQ, noted that this collaboration will integrate his company's system into the highest level of basketball. “This partnership opens doors to rare opportunities for startups,” Anderson shared with TNW. “It positions us to enhance officiating, provide deeper analytics for teams, and improve the fan experience—all while adhering to our mission of making basketball smarter and more connected.”

      The foundation of SportIQ lies in basketball, with its founder, Harri Hohteri, being a former professional player and computer scientist. The sport is also well-suited for data-driven innovations. “Basketball lacks analytics solutions, especially at the consumer level, unlike other sports,” Anderson explained. “This presents a clear opportunity to introduce innovative and accessible tools for players, coaches, and fans, transforming how the game is perceived and played.”

      SportIQ is also a noteworthy example of a European consumer tech company entering the US market. The startup claims that thousands of Americans purchase its smart basketballs each year, and Launchpad offers a chance to boost those numbers.

      This year, SportIQ is the only European company in the program. Other participants include OneCourt, which creates haptic and generative audio experiences for visually impaired fans; VReps, an educational platform that aims to enhance basketball IQ; Somnee, known for its clinical-grade sleep diagnostic headband; and Trashie, a clothing recycling and rewards service.

      The selected companies earned their places by pitching innovations that align with Launchpad’s primary goals, focusing on the future of officiating, youth basketball, and player health, as well as advancing media, fan engagement, and overall impact in basketball business.

      SportIQ aims to leverage these objectives to grow its product offerings, use cases, revenue sources, and technological skills. However, the NBA is just the beginning for SportIQ, which is already eyeing expansion into additional markets, with its sensor system being adaptable for various sports. As Anderson states, “Every ball can be smart.”