Government backing fuels AI-driven hockey analytics
Vancouver‑based sports technology firm DRIVE announced a suite of milestones that underscore its rapid ascent in the amateur hockey analytics market. The company revealed a $100,000 grant from the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) that will accelerate development of its Coach AI tool, which converts raw performance data into personalized coaching recommendations for players and coaches.
DRIVE’s tracking system combines biomechanical sensors embedded in player shoulder pads with Smart Arena hardware to capture detailed movement and positioning data. This sensor fusion creates a comprehensive performance profile that can be accessed by athletes, coaches, and organizational leaders alike.
The company highlighted its growth trajectory, noting that it tracked more individual players in 2026 than it did across the entirety of 2025. This surge reflects increasing adoption of DRIVE’s analytics by amateur leagues and developmental programs seeking data‑driven insights.
A seasoned executive at the helm
To guide the next phase of product design, DRIVE appointed Kevin Martin as Chief Experience Officer. Martin brings more than 25 years of experience in technology and artificial intelligence, having previously served as VP of Product at a high‑growth fintech firm and co‑founded Pixel Tours, a Toronto‑based design and development consultancy.
Martin will lead the design of DRIVE’s athlete intelligence platform, ensuring that the Coach AI tool integrates seamlessly with the company’s sensor ecosystem. His appointment coincides with the launch of a broader Sports AI initiative overseen by Krishant Akella, a multi‑patent holder and lead applied data scientist at DRIVE.
The financial support from IRAP adds to a $30,000 contribution from CanExport and an anticipated $80,000 SR&ED tax rebate, pushing DRIVE’s total government‑backed innovation funding beyond $210,000 for 2026. This backing enables the company to expand both its permanent arena installations and portable tracking solutions.
DRIVE’s proprietary system, which fuses biomechanical and positioning sensor data with advanced AI algorithms, aims to deliver actionable insights that improve player development and team performance. The technology is already being deployed across North American hockey circuits, positioning the company as a key player in the evolving sports analytics landscape.