The "MIT" Bootcamp at the PreZero Arena

Seventy students, young professionals and entrepreneurs from 28 nations gathered at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim from 7 to 13 September. The participants worked on topics concerning the future of sport and technologies in a one-week, high-speed learning programme focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. The graduates received a MIT certificate and access to a unique network of former bootcampers, many of whom have successfully founded companies.

The programme was implemented by experienced lecturers and coaches from MIT and WHU. Guest lectures rounded off the programme. TSG Managing Director Dr. Peter Görlich spoke to the participants about digital data analysis and the use of Big Data at the Hoffenheim Bundesliga club. DFL CEO Christian Seifert informed the bootcampers about the DFL strategy to vertically integrate all elements of the media value chain within the organisation.

MIT, one of the world's leading technical universities, regularly organises bootcamps on various topics all over the world. The bootcamp in the TSG Hoffenheim stadium was the first to focus on the sports industry. The organisers have been pleased with the result.

Dr. Peter Görlich, Managing Director of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim Fußball-Spielbetriebs GmbH: "As a club, we wanted to get to know new perspectives, which is why we participated in the organisation of the Bootcamp. A comprehensive commitment to football means more than just the result on the pitch. In order for us to be able to develop further, we need to be grounded in science. In my discussions with Professor Schmidt and the MIT team, I learned many things that could take our club to the next level."

Christian Seifert, CEO of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH: "The DFL is an innovation pioneer in international professional sport. Therefore, the MIT Bootcamp was a perfect fit for our strategy and we were happy to be a partner of the event. Meeting people who are willing to think
outside the box was also an inspiring experience for me. We were able to discuss intensively how international target groups and young generations perceive the Bundesliga."

Prof. Dr. Sascha L. Schmidt, Director of the Center for Sports and Management at WHU: "The participants of this first MIT Bootcamp are pioneers in the field of sports business. I am sure that many will have great careers in sports. They all follow their passion and bring the right spirit to be successful. Without MIT, we would not have been able to bring people from 28 countries together. I would like to thank them and our partners DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and TSG Hoffenheim."

Erdin Beshimov, Founder and Director of MIT Bootcamps: "This week, if anything, has demonstrated that sports and entrepreneurship are one in spirit. This spirit is the persistent, persevering commitment to teamwork. I am grateful to WHU, DFL and TSG for making this event possible and offering young entrepreneurs from all over the world an incredible, completely transformative experience. One could not have dreamed of a better team for the inaugural MITWHU Sports Entrepreneurship Bootcamp."