Nike launched an interesting incubator through Boulder, CO-based TechStars, which is a highly selective tech start-up company that is affiliated with some of the fastest growing startups in silicon valley. Through the program – called Nike+ Accelerator -- ten startups that use Nike+ technology will receive mentorship, coaching and administrative support to create technology that will inspire athletes across a broad range of activity and health goals including training, coaching, gaming, data visualization and ‘quantified self', according to Nike.
The Nike+ Accelerator starts in March 2013 and will run through June, culminating in technology investor demonstration days including a day at Nike HQ as well as a day in Silicon Valley.
This is hardly a major driver to Nike’s business near-term. But it is another small step showing how Nike is leveraging its size and is spending time in the digital arena – while competitors are still trying out how to break the 5% share mark in the US athletic footwear market.