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NHL/NHLPA Innovation Competition registration open now to all Florida college students | NHL.com
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 15:59 GMT by National Hockey League- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Florida College Students Invited to Innovate Hockey: NHL/NHLPA Competition Opens Registration
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) have announced that registration is now open for the 2025 NHL/NHLPA Innovation Competition, with a special focus on college students from the Sunshine State. The initiative, aimed at tapping fresh ideas from the next generation of innovators, invites teams of students from any accredited university in Florida to submit proposals that could transform the way hockey is played, watched, and marketed.
A Quick Look at the NHL/NHLPA Innovation Competition
Launched in 2020, the NHL/NHLPA Innovation Competition is an annual event that challenges student teams to devise creative solutions across a spectrum of categories—from fan engagement and data analytics to player safety and sustainable operations. The competition is hosted by the NHLPA’s Innovation Hub, a partnership with the NHL that blends the sports organization’s deep industry knowledge with the entrepreneurial spirit of academia.
According to the NHLPA’s official competition page (https://www.nhl.com/innovation-competition), the 2025 edition will feature three main tracks:
- Fan Experience & Engagement – Proposals that enhance live and digital fan interactions.
- Player & Team Performance – Innovations in training, recovery, or analytics that could give teams a competitive edge.
- Sustainability & Operations – Solutions that help NHL teams reduce environmental impact or streamline logistics.
The competition structure includes an initial submission phase, a “prototype & pitch” phase, and a final showcase in March 2025 where finalists present to a panel of NHL executives, NHLPA representatives, and industry partners.
Why Florida College Students?
The NHL and NHLPA have partnered with the Florida Sports Innovation Alliance to bring the competition to a state that boasts some of the country’s largest hockey fan bases and a robust pipeline of athletic talent. The announcement states, “Florida’s universities are producing a diverse cohort of students with expertise in data science, sports engineering, marketing, and environmental science—skills that align perfectly with the competition’s focus areas.” The partnership also includes a mentorship program that pairs student teams with NHL coaches, analytics staff, and technology partners from the region.
Eligibility and How to Apply
All students enrolled in a U.S. accredited college or university in Florida are eligible, regardless of major. Teams may consist of up to five members and must include at least one student from a Florida institution. Solo applicants are also welcome; however, interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged.
Registration details and the application portal are available at https://www.nhl.com/innovation-competition/apply. The portal requires teams to submit:
- A 2‑page executive summary of their idea.
- A 3‑minute video pitch.
- A brief bio of each team member.
- Proof of enrollment (e.g., a screenshot of a current semester registration page).
The deadline for the first submission round is June 15, 2025. Teams that pass the initial screening will receive an invitation to the prototype phase, which opens on July 10, 2025 and runs through September 30, 2025. Finalists will be announced on December 5, 2025 and will compete in a live showcase on March 15, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
Prizes, Mentorship, and Exposure
The competition offers a mix of tangible rewards and developmental opportunities. Winning teams receive:
- $10,000 cash award for each finalist, and a grand prize of $25,000 for the overall winner.
- A mentorship contract with an NHL team’s innovation or analytics department.
- Professional development workshops covering topics like venture funding, intellectual property, and sports marketing.
- Publicity through NHL and NHLPA press releases, social media shout‑outs, and a feature article on NHL.com.
“Winning the Innovation Competition can be a launchpad for a student’s career in sports technology or consulting,” says NHLPA Vice President of Innovation, Dr. Maria Hernandez. “Beyond the cash, the mentorship and exposure to NHL’s industry leaders are priceless.”
Highlights from Past Winners
The competition’s inaugural event in 2020 produced a winner from the University of Florida who developed an AI‑driven injury prediction tool for NHL teams. In 2021, a student team from Florida International University created an immersive AR experience that let fans view games from a player’s perspective. These projects underscore the competition’s impact: “We’ve seen student prototypes move from the lab to actual NHL operations in just a few months,” notes NHLPA Chief Technology Officer, Steven Lee.
Take Action
Florida college students with a passion for hockey, technology, or innovation have a unique opportunity to contribute to the sport’s future. Whether you’re a computer science major, a marketing student, or a budding environmental engineer, the NHL/NHLPA Innovation Competition welcomes fresh ideas that can improve fan experience, player safety, or sustainability.
To apply, visit the NHLPA’s competition page, complete the application by June 15, 2025, and start assembling your interdisciplinary team. For more information on eligibility, prize structure, and partnership details, consult the competition’s FAQ section or contact the NHLPA Innovation Hub at innovationhub@nhlpa.com.
The NHL and NHLPA are eager to see how Florida’s bright minds will shape the next generation of hockey. Don’t miss your chance to turn your vision into reality on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Read the Full National Hockey League Article at:
[ https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-nhlpa-innovation-competition-registration-open-to-florida-college-students ]
