Rice University Partners with BeOne Sports: A Leap into the Future of Athletic Innovation
In an exciting development for both athletics and technology, Rice University’s Department of Athletics has forged a strategic partnership with BeOne Sports, a pioneering startup founded by Rice alumni. This collaboration aims to elevate Rice’s reputation as a national leader in athletic achievement and research-driven innovation, positioning the university as a testing ground for cutting-edge, holistic care technologies tailored for student-athletes.
A Vision for Enhanced Athlete Care
The partnership between Rice University and BeOne Sports is set to revolutionize the way athlete care is approached. By integrating BeOne Sports’ mobile motion-capture AI and advanced data analytics with Rice’s renowned sports medicine and rehabilitation programs, the collaboration establishes a new standard for athlete care, injury prevention, and performance optimization.
Rice President Reginald DesRoches articulated the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership aligns perfectly with Rice University’s mission to harness innovation for the betterment of our community. By integrating cutting-edge technology from BeOne Sports with our already world-class athletic and academic programs, we are providing our student-athletes with the tools they need to excel both on the field and in life.”
Game-Changer: AI-Enhanced Sports Performance
At the heart of this partnership is BeOne Sports’ groundbreaking “Comparative Training” technology, which utilizes AI to digitize and analyze the biomechanics of elite athletes using just a mobile device. This innovative platform boasts a comprehensive global database of human movement, allowing Rice athletes to access high-level performance comparisons and data-driven insights.
Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics at Rice, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “At Rice Athletics, we are always striving to be at the forefront of innovation, and our partnership with BeOne Sports exemplifies that commitment. By leveraging their state-of-the-art AI technology and data analytics, we can elevate how we support and develop our athletes — ensuring they are healthier, stronger, and better prepared to succeed both athletically and academically.”
Born from Rice, Built for the Future
BeOne Sports was co-founded by Rice MBA alumni Scott Deans and Jason Bell, alongside former Rice student-athlete James McNaney. Emerging from the entrepreneurial track at Rice’s prestigious Jones Graduate School of Business, the company focuses on utilizing AI computer vision technology to enhance athletic performance, provide exposure, and offer elite-level training.
Deans, the CEO of BeOne Sports, remarked on the company’s origins: “BeOne Sports was born from the collaborative environment at Rice, where business leaders and engineers work together to solve real-world problems. We’re thrilled to continue that journey with Rice Athletics as we build the world’s first human recognition models specifically designed for sports performance and beyond.”
Rice’s Commitment to Innovation
Rice University is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation, where cutting-edge technology and world-class education intersect to create meaningful impacts across various fields. The partnership with BeOne Sports exemplifies this vision, enhancing the university’s athletic and academic offerings while reinforcing Rice’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where transformative ideas can thrive.
Paul Cherukuri, Rice’s chief innovation officer and vice president for innovation, stated, “BeOne Sports exemplifies the innovative spirit we champion at Rice, where entrepreneurship and engineering excellence converge. This partnership showcases how our innovation ecosystem is expanding beyond business into athletics, creating new opportunities that benefit both our students and the world at large.”
Opportunities for Students and Faculty
Beyond advanced performance tools and analytics, this partnership will create a wealth of academic and professional development opportunities for Rice students and faculty. Initiatives will include internships, research projects, and collaborations on innovative ventures, offering a “living portfolio” approach that provides hands-on experience in sports technology. This prepares students for careers at the intersection of science, athletics, and technology.
Conclusion
The partnership between Rice University and BeOne Sports marks a significant step forward in the realm of sports performance technology. By combining the innovative capabilities of BeOne Sports with Rice’s esteemed athletic programs, this collaboration not only enhances athlete care but also sets a precedent for future advancements in sports technology. As Rice continues to lead through innovation, the benefits of this partnership will undoubtedly resonate throughout the athletic community and beyond, paving the way for a new era of athlete development and performance optimization.