๐ŸŽ“ Gen-next Challenge 2026

The FEI Gen-next Sport Innovation Challenge invites post-secondary students to develop bold, practical solutions that can help shape the future of equestrian sport, with a focus on fan engagement, technology, fairness, and the next generation of sports innovation.

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Topic 1

Make equestrian sport instantly understandable for new fans

The problem

Equestrian sport is visually impressive, but for non-core audiences the “why it matters” is often unclear, whether in terms of scoring, penalties, judging logic, tactics, or simply what to watch. This limits retention, shareability and, ultimately, the commercial value of FEI content and broadcast.

This challenge exists across FEI disciplines. Dressage is a particularly relevant example, as the judging and performance logic can be difficult for first-time viewers to interpret, but the challenge should remain open across disciplines.

The challenge

Design a simple visual solution that helps a first-time viewer understand what is happening and why it matters in under 60 seconds, using FEI rules and data.

The concept should work across short-form social content, highlights videos, and second-screen experiences, whether on smartphones for digital audiences or on giant screens for onsite audiences.

Teams should apply their solution to one FEI discipline of their choice, selected according to where they believe they can create the strongest impact.

 

Topic 2

How can technology support more consistent and transparent flag judgements in Eventing cross-country?

The problem

In Eventing cross-country, penalties may be awarded when a horse does not correctly pass between the flags of an obstacle. While the FEI rules define the principle, the review of certain situations can still involve subjective interpretation, particularly in close or complex cases.

Recent high-profile examples, including at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlighted how difficult it can be to ensure consistency and confidence in decision-making across officials, athletes, and stakeholders.

The FEI already works with EquiReels, whose cameras capture each cross-country fence from the appropriate angle and provide valuable footage for review. However, the final judgement still relies on human interpretation of the images.

The challenge

Explore how technology could enhance the existing review process by providing more consistent, evidence-based support to officials when assessing potential flag issues.

The aim is not to replace official judgment, but to improve the quality, consistency, and transparency of the review process.

Possible areas for innovation

Potential solutions could include:

  • digital mapping of flagged boundaries and jump line
  • tracking of the horse’s movement relative to the obstacle
  • visual overlays or decision-support indicators for officials
  • measurable supporting data to assist the review
  • practical approaches to operating in event environments with limited connectivity
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