The Challenge
Reimagining Infrastructure for the Future of Hockey
The following context is intended to help students better understand the opportunity, the role of innovation in this competition, and the types of ideas that could be relevant to the case pillars.
This competition is rooted in community growth and access, while also encouraging participants to think about how technology, data, and connected experiences can strengthen execution, visibility, and measurable outcomes.
Team Registration
Join our Innovation Competition and turn your groundbreaking ideas into reality! This is your chance to showcase your creativity, collaborate with like-minded visionaries, and make a tangible impact that could reinvent the way fans experience the game.
Your submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the NHL, NHLPA and industry leaders, who will be looking for the most innovative, impactful and sustainable strategies to grow and deepen the NHL brand. The case details and submission guidelines will be available January, 2026.
Good luck, and we look forward to your innovative ideas!
Watch the hype
Get inspired and see what the Innovation Competition is all about.
Who can participate?
Who can enter
The Competition is open to full-time and part-time students currently enrolled in a participating university or college in California, USA (Bay Area). A participating university or college is one which has been invited to take part in the Competition by or on behalf of the Sponsors.
Team composition
Each team must consist of a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of four (4) students. All students on a team must be enrolled at the same participating university or college. A student may not be on more than one (1) team.
Age requirement
All participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry.
2026 Timeline
Submissions Open
March 23rd, 2026
Submissions open for teams to begin submitting their ideas.
Submissions Close
April 20th, 2026
at 11:59pm ET
Semi-Final Interviews
April 27th – 28th, 2026
Top 20 teams will be selected as semi-finalists and participate in a 5 min virtual interview.
Finalists Selected
May 8th, 2026
Top six teams will be selected as finalists.
Pitch Coaching
May 11th – 29th, 2026
Finalists will be matched with NHL/SAP Mentors to prepare for final pitch day.
Final Pitch Event
June 1st, 2026
Top six finalists will pitch to executives and industry leaders at SAP Center.
Past Event Highlights
Relive the excitement from previous competitions featuring student pitches, mentor sessions, and unforgettable Pitch Day moments.
2025 Winners Celebration
Student Pitch Presentation
Judge Feedback Session
Meet the Finalists
Team Presentation
Participant Networking
Judges Panel
Innovation Showcase
2025 Finalists
Unlock the Rink
Celebration Moment
Hockey Hall of Fame Visit
Location
SAP Center
The final pitch day will take place at the iconic SAP Center in San Jose, California — home of the San Jose Sharks. Teams selected as finalists will present their ideas to a panel of NHL, NHLPA, and SAP judges at this world-class venue.
Address
525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
In-person final pitch day
June 1st, 2026
NHL Education Partners
SAP University Alliances Program
The SAP University Alliances program empowers lecturers to elevate their teaching of business and technology skills by offering resources centered on SAP applications and computer science.
Today SAP partners with more than 2,700 educational institutions around the globe, providing more than one million students annually with hands-on learning experience.
About SAP
As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best.
For more information, visit www.sap.com
Industry Growth Fund
Established in 2013 by the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association, the Industry Growth Fund (IGF) supports long-term fan development and increases participation at all levels of hockey with an emphasis on youth.
The IGF focuses on building hockey awareness in local Club markets and on a national level by subsidizing League-wide programs and local Club initiatives.
Since its inception, the IGF has dedicated more than $200 million to develop programming and bring hockey to communities across North America.
"Dedicated to Inspire and Engage the Next Generation of Players and Fans"
Ready to Innovate?
Don't miss your chance to be part of the San Jose Sharks Innovation Competition. Reserve your spot today and start shaping the future of hockey.
Reserve spot