Rice University’s Department of Athletics and Innovation has entered into a strategic partnership with BeOne Sports, an innovative startup founded by Rice University alumni and pioneering advanced sports performance technology. The partnership aims to position Rice University as a testing ground for cutting-edge, holistic care technologies for student-athletes and advance Rice University’s position as a national leader in athletic performance and research-driven innovation.
By integrating BeOne Sports’ mobile motion capture AI and advanced data analytics with Rice’s leading sports medicine and rehabilitation programs, this partnership establishes a new standard in athlete care, injury prevention, and performance optimization. .
“This partnership is perfectly aligned with Rice University’s mission to leverage innovation for the betterment of our communities,” said Rice University President Reginald Desroches. “By integrating BeOne Sports’ cutting-edge technology with our already world-class athletic and academic programs, we are giving our student-athletes the tools they need to excel on the field and in life. This collaboration is a testament to Rice’s commitment to leading through innovation and providing unparalleled opportunities for students.”
Game changer: AI-enhanced sports performance
BeOne Sports is known for its ground-breaking AI-based “comparative training” technology that digitizes and analyzes the biomechanics of elite athletes using only their mobile devices. A comprehensive global database of human movement is integrated into the platform, giving Rice athletes access to high-level performance comparisons and data-driven insights. The collaboration will enhance Rice’s capabilities in athlete monitoring, rehabilitation and injury prevention, said Tommy McClelland, vice president and director of athletics.
“At Rice Athletics, we strive to always be at the forefront of innovation, and our partnership with BeOne Sports exemplifies that commitment,” McClelland said. “By leveraging our cutting-edge AI technology and data analytics, we are improving the way we support and develop athletes, helping them become healthier, stronger, and better prepared for athletic and academic success.” We are excited about how this collaboration positions Rice as a leader in athlete care and performance.”
Born from rice, building the future
BeOne Sports was co-founded by Rice MBA alumni Scott Deans and Jason Bell, along with former Rice student-athlete James McNerney. Born out of Rice’s entrepreneurship course at the prestigious Jones School of Management, the company focuses on leveraging AI computer vision technology to improve athletic performance, provide exposure, and provide elite-level training . By making technology accessible through a mobile platform, BeOne Sports aims to democratize access to sports training and bring advanced resources to a wider audience.
“BeOne Sports was born out of Rice University’s collaborative environment where business leaders and engineers work together to solve real-world problems,” said Deans, CEO of BeOne Sports. “We are excited to continue that journey with Rice Athletics as we build the world’s first human recognition model designed specifically for sports performance and beyond. Our mission is to This partnership with Rice is about providing cutting-edge technology that maximizes potential in the simplest, fastest, and most versatile way possible for athletes and coaches of all levels to access sports technology. It’s a great step towards making it more accessible.”
Rice’s commitment to innovation
Mr. Rice is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation where cutting-edge technology and world-class education intersect to create meaningful impact across a variety of sectors. The partnership with BeOne Sports embodies this vision and strengthens Rice University’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where transformative ideas thrive while enriching the university’s athletics and academics. said Paul Cherukuri, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President of Innovation.
“BeOne Sports embodies the innovative spirit we champion at Rice, where entrepreneurship and engineering excellence meet,” said Cerkuli. “As a startup founded by former Rice MBA students and athletes in collaboration with computer science engineers, BeOne reflects Rice’s dedication to developing talent and driving change. It shows how the innovation ecosystem extends beyond business and into the world of sport, creating new opportunities that benefit both students and the world at large.”
Beyond advanced performance tools and analytics, this partnership also creates academic and professional development opportunities for Rice students and faculty. The initiative includes 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.
About Rice University
Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice University is highly regarded for its schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences, and is also home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. Rice University has 4,574 undergraduate students and 3,982 graduate students, with an undergraduate to faculty ratio of just under 6:1. Its boarding college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships. It’s one of the reasons Rice is ranked No. 1 in Princeton for racial and class interaction, No. 2 for best-run universities, and No. 12 for quality of life. review. Rice University is also rated the best value among private universities by Kiplinger Personal Finance.
About B-One Sports
BeOne Sports, the inventor of “comparative training,” leverages AI technology to identify and analyze human biomechanics. BeOne’s platform enables aspiring athletes around the world to learn from the best by digitizing the form and technique of elite athletes. Their mission is to democratize access to elite training tools through an accessible, mobile-friendly platform.
