Rabat – A significant milestone has been achieved in the world of African sports technology as REBORN, a Moroccan sportstech startup, has been named the Grand Winner of the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator 2025. This momentous recognition comes after a rigorous selection process involving over 700 startups across the continent, marking a historic advance in African sports innovation.
The announcement was made in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 5, where REBORN distinguished itself among 32 participating African countries. This victory is not just about success in competition; it symbolizes a growing acknowledgment of Africa’s potential in the tech-driven sports arena.
The achievement is particularly timely, with Morocco set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This positioning underscores the country’s escalating prominence in sports performance technology, paving the way for a future where tech and sports go hand in hand.
At the core of REBORN’s mission is the development of performance solutions driven by data and artificial intelligence. These innovative tools are designed to assist athletes, clubs, and training centers in decoding physical readiness, tactical behavior, and technical execution. Currently, these solutions are utilized in various academies and training centers throughout Morocco, where the rising demand for data-based decision-making in sports cannot be overstated.
Securing the Grand Winner title offers REBORN not just prestige but also a wealth of resources for its growth. The startup was awarded a package comprising $25,000 in funding, $10,000 worth of API credits, and a 12-month incubation opportunity through Carnegie Mellon University’s Business Incubation Program. This comprehensive support is set to fuel the company’s journey in sports tech innovation.
Additionally, the accolade includes an immersive experience among OpenAI engineers at the company’s global headquarters, connecting REBORN to prominent innovation ecosystems such as NBA Africa, ALX Ventures, ServiceNow, and CMU-Africa. These connections represent invaluable opportunities for growth, collaboration, and networking.
A win that signals Africa’s sportstech momentum
Beyond the direct benefits, REBORN’s victory signifies a pivotal shift in how African innovation is gaining recognition on the global landscape. The startup’s success positions Morocco as a burgeoning hub for sportstech within Africa. It highlights the continent’s burgeoning capacity to create solutions that measure up to international standards.
Following the announcement, Youssef Maaroufi, co-founder of REBORN, expressed the team’s immense pride in this accomplishment for both the startup and Morocco. He emphasized that this recognition affirms Africa is not just a consumer of sports solutions but a marketplace of innovation that can influence performance on a global scale.
“We are determined to make Data and AI true accelerators for African talent,” he asserted, underlining the startup’s commitment to harnessing technology to elevate athletic performance across the continent.
The startup attributes its success to a robust network of local and international partnerships. In particular, REBORN expressed appreciation for the support received from Moroccan institutions, including University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Evosport, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which were pivotal during the earlier phases of their development.
Moreover, gratitude was extended to all organizations involved in the accelerator program, notably NBA Africa, ALX Ventures, OpenAI, ServiceNow, Carnegie Mellon Africa, and Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports. Such collaborations are essential in fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
As Morocco gears up to host Africa’s premier football tournament in 2025, REBORN’s triumph cements its role in the country’s sporting narrative. It denotes a future fueled by insights, technology, and creativity in performance sports, showcasing that African startups are not merely participating in global discussions around sports but are shaping the future direction of the industry.
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