LX Health is strengthening its SportsTech focus for 2026 through a partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL), reinforcing the LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator’s commitment to technologies operating at the intersection of health, performance, and elite sport.
While the accelerator has supported SportsTech founders in previous cohorts, the NRL partnership formalises and deepens this focus, sharpening how the program supports companies building solutions for high-performance environments.
The partnership connects LuminaX with one of the world’s most physically demanding professional sporting codes, recognised for its leadership in sports science and fan engagement.
Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the agreement underlined Queensland’s support for the rapidly evolving area of sports and events innovation.
“Through Queensland’s Innovation Partnership, we are supporting NRL to be an official sponsor of the LuminaX accelerator program for 2026,” Minister Powell said.
“It’s another step forward in growing the ever-evolving area of sports tech, which enhances major sporting events like Magic Round.
“Now is the time to leverage cutting edge technology to help athletic performance, health outcomes, grassroots participation, and the fan experience.
“The partnership also aligns with the launch of Queensland’s Science and Innovation Strategy paper, currently open for input, which aims to bring great ideas to life.”
For the 2026 cohort, LuminaX will continue supporting startups across injury prevention, concussion and brain health, recovery and rehabilitation, performance analytics, wearable technology, digital health platforms, and athlete wellbeing. These solutions often extend well beyond elite sport, with strong relevance across healthcare, allied health, and preventative medicine.
“Sport has always been part of LuminaX,” said Dren Xerxa, Director of LX Health. “What’s changed is the level of focus. Partnering with the NRL strengthens our understanding of elite performance, athlete health, and the real-world demands placed on sports organisations. That perspective helps us challenge founders to build more robust, clinically and commercially sound technologies.”
The partnership reflects the NRL’s continued investment in innovation, data-driven decision-making, and long-term athlete health, as professional sport increasingly adopts technology to improve performance while managing risk and player welfare.
Applications for LuminaX 2026 are now open, with SportsTech founders encouraged to apply alongside HealthTech startups targeting broader healthcare markets.
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