Sport has always been a mirror of society. It reflects community values, connecting people despite boundaries that might otherwise divide them. The most forward-thinking organizations in sport are no longer content to simply reflect the world as it is. They are actively working to shape the world as it should be.
Explore San Jose Sharks’ journey with SAP
The NHL/NHLPA Hockey Innovation Competition presented by SAP is one of the ways SAP, the NHL, and the NHLPA turn that ambition into action, inviting students to design practical, community-minded solutions that grow the game in more inclusive and sustainable ways.
Since its inception in Ontario, the program has expanded into multiple markets across North America, engaging students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Along the way, participants gain hands-on experience solving real-world sports business challenges while collaborating with mentors from the NHL, NHLPA, SAP, and other industry organizations.
A season of innovation
As presenting sponsor throughout the 2025-2026 season, SAP has helped evolve the competition into more than a student pitch event. It has become a platform where the next generation of innovators can apply design thinking, data literacy, and purpose-driven problem-solving to the future of sport.
Earlier this season, competitions in Florida and Ontario showcased how local communities bring unique perspectives to hockey’s growth, from reimagining youth participation and community engagement to exploring new technologies that can make the sport more inclusive and accessible. Across every market, students approached the challenge as an opportunity to solve real problems for real communities. These events set the stage for the Final Pitch Day in San Jose, where students were challenged to imagine how hockey can thrive within one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.
