UEFA’s ‘Champions Innovate’ initiative puts sustainability at front of UCL final objectives

September 20 – UEFA is set to launch the all-new ‘Champions Innovate’ programme with the aim of catalysing innovation around the 2024 UEFA Champions League final in London, creating a more sustainable match-day experience.

The project is a partnership between UEFA, its commercial partners, and the Greater London Authority, and aims to enhance the 2024 UEFA Champions League final’s social and environmental impact leaving a lasting positive impact on the host city.

As part of the project, UEFA are inviting sustainability-focused start-ups to propose ideas and solutions to challenges identified by Champions League sponsors PepsiCo, Mastercard and Just Eat Takeaway.com.

These partners will mentor the selected startups throughout the testing phase in London. If successful, the pilot projects will be integrated into the organisation of the final, which is set to take place on the 1 June 2024.

UEFA say all pilot solutions will be unveiled and celebrated at an event in London two days prior to the final.

At the launch of this programme, Andrea Traverso, UEFA’s Director of Financial Sustainability and Research said: “The UEFA Champions League final is synonymous with excellence, and UEFA is determined to bring together top-tier commercial partners and the world’s most promising entrepreneurs to catalyse change, both on and off the field.

“At UEFA, we acknowledge that collaborating with experts is key to address numerous challenges and is why the UEFA Innovation Hub aspires to unite top talent from various industries. With Champions Innovatethe UEFA Innovation Hub aims to unearth the champions of innovation who can contribute to football’s development in every aspect. Talent knows no limits, and UEFA is committed to nurturing it.”

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735275342labto1735275342ofdlr1735275342owedi1735275342sni@g1735275342niwe.1735275342yrrah1735275342