Asia-based startups now have one last call to apply for the Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia, with the submission deadline closing on 20 June 2025.
This international programme, now in its second year, is a collaboration between Japanese open innovation firm Creww Inc., Spain’s Real Madrid Next, and Malaysia-based innovation collective Opt-In Studio. The initiative aims to identify and support high-potential startups across the region working at the intersection of sports, technology, and social innovation.
Targeting early- to mid-stage startups from Southeast Asia, the Real Madrid Next Accelerator offers selected participants access to mentorship by Real Madrid experts, curated workshops to strengthen global readiness, and exposure to a world-class innovation network.
The programme focuses on six verticals that reflect the future priorities of the global sports industry:
- Sports Performance
- E-Health
- Fan Engagement
- AV Content
- Cybersecurity
- Social Impact
Startups selected for the 2025 cohort will be given opportunities to collaborate with Real Madrid Next’s ecosystem of partners, and may also be considered for potential investment. A standout feature of the programme is the opportunity for top-performing startups to attend an all-expenses-paid Demo Day in Madrid, Spain.
Farah Fauzi, Managing Partner at Opt-In Studio, noted that last year’s Malaysian finalist narrowly missed advancing to the final round. “We saw strong representation from Malaysia in the previous cycle, and we are once again supporting Creww in scouting exceptional teams from this region. We believe there is world-class potential here, and we’re keen to see Malaysian innovation represented on the global stage.”
The accelerator will be conducted in English, and applications are open to founders based in ASEAN and other Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Startups interested in applying can submit their applications via the official website at https://global.creww.me/global/en/real-madrid-next-accelerator-for-asia-2.
Applications close on 20 June 2025.