The Arizona Coyotes, the Global Sport Institute, and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University, have announced the winners of the first-ever Arizona Coyotes Venture Challenge.

First place: SUJI was awarded $30,000 and 15 hours of legal service provided by DLA Piper. Suji combines compression and very low intensity exercise enabling athletes to improve performance, reduce joint pain and recover faster.

Second place: Train Fitness AI was awarded $20,000. Train Fitness automatics exercise detection and rep counting - enabled using artificial intelligence and your Apple Watch.

Third place: Adapt the Game was awarded $10,000 and a consulting opportunity with the AZ Coyotes organization. Adapt the Game will improve matchday experience for sports fans with disabilities worldwide by covering all their needs in one app.

Special Recognition: Organic Robotics Corporation was awarded a beta opportunity with Mortenson Construction and Tucson Roadrunners for their light lace on the field biometrics at the speed of light.

“We were very impressed with all of the startups that participated in the Coyotes Venture Challenge,” said Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “Each of the winners focused on the core pillars of our organization - impact, innovation and inclusion and we were very encouraged to see so many incredible ideas from smart and passionate people coming from unique and diverse backgrounds. The entire Venture Challenge was extremely rewarding for everyone involved and we look forward to partnering with ASU again in the future.”

The Arizona Coyotes Venture Challenge was created to establish new and innovative sport concepts that can be launched, piloted, and scaled within the Coyotes’ various facilities. The program provides a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs while keeping the Coyotes on the forefront of new sport-related innovation.

Mortensen and DLP Piper joined the partnership to provide an additional $20,000 and access to conference spaces, offices, marketing and legal support.

Judges for the competition included Xavier Gutierrez, President and CEO of AZ Coyotes; Liz Montano, Chief Strategy Officer of AZ Coyotes; Tania Moreno, SVP, Marketing of AZ Coyotes; Marina Carpenter, General Counsel; EVP, Public Affairs of AZ Coyotes; Sam Marks, Director, Strategy & Analytics of AZ Coyotes; Michael Luenen, Sr. Manager, Strategy & Analytics of AZ Coyotes; Ben Goetter, VP & GM of Mortensen Construction and Travis Leach, Partner of DLA Piper.

“We were thrilled by the level of support and excitement from the Coyotes organization and their partners for this venture challenge.” said Jeff Kunowski, Associate Director of Innovation Programs at the Global Sport Institute. “This group of venture finalists came from all over the world to be a part of this event which made for a diverse group of venture concepts and founders. We look forward to working with each of the winners as they continue to scale their start-ups.”

About the Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes are a National Hockey League franchise owned by Chairman and Governor Alex Meruelo. The Arizona Coyotes play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. For the latest news and information on the Coyotes, please visit ArizonaCoyotes.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University
The Global Sport Institute is where diverse disciplines converge to thoughtfully examine critical issues impacting sport. As a cross-disciplinary enterprise, the institute's efforts are integrated throughout the entire university — from engineering to sociology, to the athletic department and beyond — rather than within a single concentration. With an emphasis on expanding research, sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and advancing education, the institute's mission is to use sport to create positive change throughout the world. Through its partnership with the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, the Institute offers start-ups access to an extensive array of curriculum, workshops, advisors, funding and other university resources. Follow the Institute on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

More information at: https://globalsport.asu.edu/

About the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University
The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute serves as a premiere connecting and collaborating conduit across Arizona State University, the greater Phoenix community, nationwide and throughout the world. The Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute helps propel entrepreneurial aspirations by way of opportunities to explore, share, test and advance ideas. As a central source of information, resources and people, engaging with the Edson E+I Institute is to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, engage with global and local events and communities, and launch an idea through mentoring, funding, spaces and commercialization. Follow Edson E+I on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

More information at: http://entrepreneurship.asu.edu