Sports Innovation · Cohort 8, powered by Zero Labs

Innovation
Launchpad

July 6, 7, 8·2026·Bellagio, Las Vegas

welcome to your participant hub, everything you need before, during, and after the three days.

Sports Innovation Cohort 8 campaign planet artwork
powered by Zero Labs × SEI-Con
start with next steps below ↓

right now

day 1 walks through the first three modules of the workbook — foundational exploration, user discovery, and ecosystem & stakeholder mapping — plus a cohort dinner in the evening. see today's schedule →

ACTION REQUIREDpick your presentation slot
select your preferred time by entering your startup name in the TEAM column of the sheet. slots are first-come first-served and cannot be altered once reserved. day 3 presentations happen in the classroom with SMEs and other experts in attendance.
MATERIALS · DAY 1participant workbook + presentation template
two documents live in the folder — the workbook (five modules × five questions × one venture: templates that walk through what you're building, who needs it, where it lives in the system, how it makes money, and the smallest thing that proves it) and the presentation template (the deck you refine across the three days and upload as work-in-progress at the end of each day; final version presents on day 3).
TONIGHTSEICon III opening night reception
6:30 – 8:00 PM · Grand Ballroom 2+5 · Creator Studio Expo. connect with speakers, founders, investors, and industry leaders — 575 attendees confirmed.
END OF DAYday 2 feedback survey
tonight after sessions wrap, take 3 minutes for the day 2 feedback survey. we actually read every response — what worked, what didn't, what to sharpen. we apply what we hear to day 3. three days, three feedback loops, real changes in between. the program you experience tomorrow is one that your cohort helped tune.
completely anonymous — no names, no accounts, just your honest read on day 2.

presentation lineup

18 teams present their final versions today to SMEs and investors. 7 minutes per team, followed by Q&A. presentations begin at 11:10 AM after module VI wraps.

11:10 AM

VarsityGG

Ro Nathani · Vincent Koo

An esports recruitment platform that connects students to esports scholarships.

11:20 AM

RevPro Management Services LLC

Levi Kelley · Rob McSparron

A revenue-management platform for the ticket-broker space that runs the entire business behind the tickets, not just the tickets themselves.

11:30 AM

B-like Football Training

Victor Pronk · Dave Huisman

A computer-vision app that lets youth soccer players train and improve their skills at home, using gamification and behavioral science to keep them engaged.

11:40 AM

rAIcruited

Jordan Thompson

An accessible, end-to-end college recruiting platform built for athletes and families first, with an AI guidance counselor handling matching, education, and outreach.

11:50 AM

Complete Sports

Sayawni Lassiter

An agentic AI performance OS that unifies fragmented athlete data into one proactive command center, helping elite programs protect availability and performance.

12:00 PM

HIT

Euan Bowen · Murray Bremner

A longitudinal brain-health platform pairing wearable impact monitoring with cognitive tracking, helping athletes, teams, and clinics manage cumulative brain load over time.

12:10 PM

FanVerse

Ashima Chopra

The first predictive data engine built to decode the female sports fan — measuring belonging and spend where no one else is looking.

12:20 PM

Bring It In — ECQO

Bianca D. McCall

Clinically governed AI infrastructure for athletes, fans, and the sports ecosystem — built to prevent and treat the mental injury and para-social harm amplified by media, NIL, and betting.

12:30 PM

Blitz Board Stats

Teri Brooks · Janice Grimsley

The live data layer for flag football — capturing trusted stats that turn athlete performance into recruiting visibility and recognition, especially in the girls' game.

12:40 PM

HoloTerra Inc.

Sheila Harding

A dual-use augmented reality company building walkable AR films for audiences and spatial battlefield-training and mission-planning systems for the warfighter.

12:50 PM

Eleven11 Team Sports

Cedar Rihani

An operating ecosystem that takes the admin work off youth sports clubs, so owners, operators, and directors can get back to coaching.

— LUNCH · 12:50 – 1:20 PM —
1:20 PM

Gagamba UAS

Vaughn Guintu · Reasey You

An autonomous window-cleaning drone that services high-rise buildings — taking the cost and danger out of a hazardous job.

1:30 PM

PowerPickle

Brandon Janis · Dover Janis

CV/AI scoring that gives pickleball players at every level simple, individual performance data — inside a full resort facility-management system.

1:40 PM

Backgammon Cash

Matt Hakimi · Jonathan Hakimi

A secure platform where backgammon players compete head-to-head in online matches for real-money stakes.

1:50 PM

Fighter Foundry

Ray Rita · Jon Danckwerth

A smart Strike Pad and app system that brings data-driven, physically realistic training to combat sports — already in top MMA and boxing gyms across Nevada and California.

2:00 PM

Athlete Plus

Mike Fingado · Brian Dzingai

A fan-powered financial network that turns everyday spending into automated funding for college teams — rewarding fans through Collective Cashback® at no cost to them.

2:10 PM

Stryker11

Kesav Dama

The cricket SuperApp for America — live scores, community, and AI highlights for 5.4M underserved fans, monetized through the country's first licensed fantasy cricket platform.

2:20 PM

IAMGlobal

Matthew Cornelius

Robotics and automation venture in the warehouse palletizing space; internal design partner and first proof case for game-sourced robot training data (via the mlgames pipeline).

before you leave

four things to close out ILP 8 and open the door to the alumni network — take five minutes before you head out.

01
MOST IMPORTANT

end of program survey

your honest read on all three days — session pacing, workshop framing, SME roster, the whole arc. 3 minutes, anonymous. carries directly into cohort 9. do this before you leave, after your presentation.

link coming — take the final survey →
02
JOIN THE COMMUNITY

alumni slack channel

stay connected with cohort 8 alumni and past cohorts. intros, deals, and the day-to-day pulse of the network happen here.

join the slack →
03
NEXT WEEK

post-program interview

grab 45 minutes with the zero labs team next week to unpack your ILP experience, what's next, and where we can keep helping.

link coming — book a time →
04
STAY IN THE LOOP

zero labs alumni hub

your ongoing home for alumni events, warm intros, resources, and cohort news.

link coming — visit the alumni hub →
01
MOST IMPORTANT

end of program survey

your honest read on all three days — session pacing, workshop framing, SME roster, the whole arc. 3 minutes, anonymous. carries directly into cohort 9. do this before you leave, after your presentation.

take the final survey →
02
JOIN THE COMMUNITY

alumni slack channel

stay connected with cohort 8 alumni and past cohorts. intros, deals, and the day-to-day pulse of the network happen here.

join the slack →
03
NEXT WEEK

post-program interview

grab 30 minutes with ryan to unpack your ILP experience, what's next, and where we can keep helping.

book a time →
04
STAY IN THE LOOP

zero labs alumni hub

your ongoing home for alumni events, warm intros, resources, and cohort news.

visit the alumni hub →
01
MOST IMPORTANT

end of program survey

your honest read on all three days — session pacing, workshop framing, SME roster, the whole arc. 3 minutes, anonymous. carries directly into cohort 9. do this before you leave, after your presentation.

take the final survey →
02
JOIN THE COMMUNITY

alumni slack channel

stay connected with cohort 8 alumni and past cohorts. intros, deals, and the day-to-day pulse of the network happen here.

join the slack →
03
NEXT WEEK

post-program interview

grab 30 minutes with ryan to unpack your ILP experience, what's next, and where we can keep helping.

book a time →
04
COMMUNITY HUB

zero labs community hub

your ongoing home for everything zero labs — the network, the tools, the invites. what's inside:

  • ✓ resources & templates
  • ✓ access to the Zero Safe form
  • ✓ warm intros to investors
  • ✓ alumni + community events
  • ✓ member benefits & discounts
  • ✓ and more
visit the community hub →

work-in-progress submissions

at the end of each day, upload your latest presentation template as a work-in-progress. three checkpoints across the three days — the deck gets sharper each iteration. the final version is what you present in the classroom on day 3, with SMEs and other experts in attendance.

click here to upload your latest →same link · three uploads · one per day
DAY 1

first draft

upload where you land after modules I, II, and III — foundational exploration, user discovery, and ecosystem & stakeholder mapping.

monday, july 6 — EOD
DAY 2

second draft

upload after modules IV and V — commercial foundations and minimum viable solutions. commercial framing sharpens here.

tuesday, july 7 — EOD
DAY 3

final version

the deck you present in the morning to SMEs and investors. 7 minutes per team. sign up for your slot in the presentation sheet.

wednesday, july 8 — morning

schedules

day one
monday, july 6
foundational exploration, user discovery, ecosystem and stakeholder mapping. cohort dinner in the evening.
day two
tuesday, july 7
commercial foundations, minimum viable solutions, raising money. SEI-Con opening night reception in the evening.
ILP8 Day 2 schedule, Tuesday July 7
day three
wednesday, july 8
final presentations, feedback, exit interviews. cohort closes at 5:00 pm.
ILP8 Day 3 schedule, Wednesday July 8

the program

hear from past participants

what the launchpad actually feels like

three days at the bellagio, building the company with operators and investors in the room. a short look from past cohort participants on how the program shaped their next steps.

the program framework

three modes of learning run through all three days. classroom modules give you the foundation, breakouts turn it into discussion, and work sessions move it into your own project.

classroom

modules

interactive sessions led by experienced instructors, covering the essential topics for startup success. lectures, case studies, and group discussions designed to deliver actionable takeaways.

classroom

breakouts

turn your chair around. discuss with your peers, apply the tools from the modules, exchange ideas, and work through exercises designed to reinforce the concepts most relevant to your startup.

work

sessions

apply the concepts directly to your startup. refine your business model, conduct research, develop your MVP, or prepare your pitch. peer feedback, mentor guidance, and the resources you need to make tangible progress.

the six modules
1
foundational exploration
framing the problem and the founder's path.
2
user discovery
building real evidence from customer conversations.
3
ecosystem and stakeholder mapping
identifying who matters and where the leverage is.
4
commercial foundations
how the business actually makes money.
5
minimum viable solutions
deciding what to build first.
6
raising money and other topics
capital, narrative, and what comes next.

the people

meet the cohort
the founders

your cohort 8 lineup

these are the founders we've selected to build alongside you this july. each team brought a real problem worth solving and showed enough traction to earn the room.

meet the SMEs
what is an SME?

subject matter experts, and why they matter to you

SMEs are seasoned operators, founders, and investors who join the launchpad specifically to help your cohort. each one brings deep experience in a sector or a function: sectors like sports, gaming, hospitality, defense, climate, digital health; functions like fundraising, legal, go-to-market, product, engineering.

during the three days you'll have access to one-on-one sessions, group breakouts, and direct intros to their networks. the lineup below tells you who's in the room and where each one can move you forward.

the zero labs team
your hosts

the core team

the zero labs team builds and runs the launchpad. we're in the room with you across all three days at the bellagio — bring us questions, blockers, or intros you need, and we'll help you make the most of the time.

you'll also have a 30-minute exit interview with ryan on day 3 to debrief and map your next steps after the program.

Quinton Singleton
founder, principal

quinton singleton

Las Vegas, NV
Ryan Rubio
principal

ryan rubio

Las Vegas, NV
Roberto Garcia
associate

roberto garcia

LatAm

who'll be at SEICon

about the conference

the broader room you'll be in for three days

the launchpad runs as a track inside SEI-Con III, july 7–9 at the bellagio. your conference pass (step 04 above) gets you into the rooms where these orgs will be — especially the opening night reception on day 2.

these are organizations confirmed to attend SEICon III, not part of cohort 8 directly. the list updates as more orgs lock in.

live · updated as new orgs confirm
sports leagues, teams & governing bodies
UFCLas Vegas A'sLas Vegas RaidersNBAWNBANFLPGA of AmericaBowl SeasonFormula 1 (F1)Women's Elite Rugby
gaming, technology & innovation
NVIDIADraftKingsPlug and Play SportsTechRegen TherapyZero LabsCrowdIQProximity WorksAutonomous Systems Policy InstituteStathletesEvenplayBone Health | AmgenCollimationFiducia AI
hospitality, entertainment & events
Caesars EntertainmentMGM Resorts InternationalResorts World Las VegasTAO Group HospitalityFull SwingVan WagnerLegends GlobalEncore Sports & EntertainmentLas Vegas Live
media & marketing
USA TODAY Sports NetworkUSA TODAY NetworkMKTG (Dentsu)VomelaThe IX SportsSource CommunicationsOvernght MediaWin-Win Partnerships
education & research
Athletes Abroad SummitUNLV Kirk Kerkorian School of MedicineUNLV William F. Harrah College of HospitalityUNLV Sports Innovation InstituteSyracuse UniversitySyracuse University Falk College of SportNavigateRelo MetricsWiland
nonprofit, community & other
LVCVALas Vegas EventsLVGEAClark County Office of Community and Economic DevelopmentUnited NativesThe Brain Health SummitOsprey CollectiveThe Sanctuary CollectiveAvery Burton FoundationBrownstein Hyatt Farber SchreckBridgestone AmericasMarketing Completion Fund
notable individuals
Leigh SteinbergGreg OdenRudy Ruettiger

logistics

event location and host hotel

bellagio, las vegas

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

the program runs in the bellagio grand ballroom. specific entrance details will be released the week of the program.
discounted rateSEICon III block
block datesjuly 7 to 9
check-in3:00 pm
check-out11:00 am
parkingfree 3 hours, then $25/day · NV plates free
airportLAS, 10 to 15 min by rideshare
heads up: the SEICon III room block covers july 7 to 9. if you're arriving for the welcome bash on july 5 or want to stay through day 1 (july 6), book those nights separately at the bellagio's standard rates.
questions we didn't address

get in touch

email us anytime, and watch the "right now" section above for live updates during the three days.

innovationlaunchpad@zerolabs.io
where to find us at the bellagio

grand ballroom 5 & 6

we're inside the bellagio's grand ballroom 5 & 6. once you're on the conference level, follow the Zero Labs posters in the hallways and you'll find us. see the map at 'finding us' near the top of this page for the full path.

from your hotel room

elevator to the lobby, then conference center

take the elevator down to the lobby level. follow the signs for "conference center". once on the conference level, look for the Zero Labs posters guiding you to the grand ballroom.

from self-parking or valet

use the conference center entrance

enter through the bellagio conference center entrance (separate from the main casino entry). once inside, follow the Zero Labs posters in the hallways. rideshare drop-off can also use this entrance.

from the strip or main lobby

walk through to the conference area

enter the bellagio from the strip entrance, walk through the lobby toward the conference center signs. follow the Zero Labs posters once you reach the conference level.

frequently asked questions
what should I wear?
comfortable working clothes for the three days. day 2 evening is the SEI-Con opening night reception, where cocktail attire is suggested. bring a layer for the meeting space, the bellagio runs cool.
what time should I arrive on day 1?
registration and breakfast start at 7:00 am. the opening session begins at 8:00 am sharp. arrive by 7:30 am to settle in, get your headshot taken, and grab coffee before we start.
where should I park?
self-parking at the bellagio is free for the first 3 hours, then $25 per day after that. nevada-plated vehicles park free at all times. rideshare is plentiful at the bellagio entrance.
how do I get from the airport?
harry reid international (LAS) is about 10 to 15 minutes from the bellagio by rideshare or taxi. both are readily available at arrivals.
can I bring a laptop?
yes, please. you will be in active work sessions throughout the program. bring your charger.
is there wifi at the venue?
yes, the bellagio provides wifi in the conference area. credentials will be shared on day 1 at registration.
will there be power and charging?
every workstation has access to power. bring your charger plus any adapters you need.
what about food and dietary needs?
breakfast, working lunches, and coffee are provided each day. dietary restrictions were captured in your pre-arrival survey, please reach out if anything has changed.
can I bring a co-founder or team member?
every accepted team can bring two participants, although it's not required. if you'd like to bring a co-founder or team member, email innovationlaunchpad@zerolabs.io so we can add them to the roster, the meals, and the room block.
do I need to prepare a presentation in advance?
yes, a draft presentation is required before the program starts. we'll send you a template and guidance the week before, so you arrive with a starting point. you'll continue building and refining it during the work sessions, and present the final version on day 3.
how long are the final presentations on day 3?
7 minutes per team in front of SMEs and investors. you will pick your time slot on day 2 evening or day 3 morning. a sign-up link goes live in the "right now" section.
what should I expect from SMEs?
SMEs are seasoned operators, founders, and investors who join us throughout the program to work with you on the needs of your specific project. expect one-on-one time, breakout discussions, and direct intros into their networks.
who will be at the SEI-Con opening night reception?
investors, corporate partners, SEI-Con conference attendees, and your cohort. dress code is cocktail attire. expect roughly 100 to 150 people moving through the reception, structured for networking, not formal programming.
can I share photos or insights from the program on social media?
photos of yourself and the venue are fine. avoid sharing specific session content, attendee lists, SME contact details, or other participants without their consent. when in doubt, ask.
what happens after the program ends?
you join the Zero Labs community hub, which gives you access to a range of alumni resources, including the alumni directory, alumni Slack, office hours, and other ongoing benefits. you also get a 30-minute exit interview with Ryan to debrief and plan next steps.
my plans changed, who do I contact?
email innovationlaunchpad@zerolabs.io as soon as you know. we will adjust your dietary preferences, hotel block, presentation slot, or whatever else needs updating.
this hub contains information intended for cohort 8 participants. please don't share specific sessions, attendee lists, or SME details with people outside the program.
day 2 survey open3 min · completely anonymous · shapes tomorrowtake it →
END OF PROGRAM SURVEY3 min · anonymous · shapes cohort 9take it →