IIT-Madras appoints ex-ESPN vice president Ramesh Kumar as CEO of Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics

“It will also create and deliver products and solutions across media platforms and work with sporting federations and bodies (creating their platforms and enhancing on ground experience and working with other media platforms) to increase fan engagement,” the press release stated.

Ramesh Kumar, an alumnus of IIT Madras, brings over three decades of industry experience, including close to 24 years in the sports industry. He has played a key role in driving digital leadership, innovation, and growth for ESPNcricinfo.

Speaking about his vision for CESSA, the former head of ESPN (India and South Asia) and global head of ESPNcricinfo, said, “I am excited to join the Center and leverage the deep tech knowledge and domain strengths in the fields of AI, ML, data science, IoT/sensors, computer vision technology and bio mechanical analysis to envision solutions and products for sportspersons, general athletes, media platforms, sports fans, sporting federations and players in the sports education domain.”

The Center will also establish an incubator ecosystem for sport tech start-ups, supported by interdisciplinary faculties specialising in modelling, data science, IoT, AI, wearables, and biomechanics. Additionally, CESSA will provide sports science and education courses, along with coaching products for students and coaches through collaborations leveraging IIT Madras’ credibility and expertise.

Prof Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras, and the Head of CESSA, welcomed Ramesh Kumar, emphasising that his industry experience aligns with the institute’s commitment to being at the forefront of sports technology.

CESSA has already initiated collaborations with leading institutes, including the Sports Authority of India, National Center for Sports Science Research, Inspire Institute of Sports, Northwestern University, and the University of Birmingham.

Supported by the ‘Institute of Eminence’ initiative of the Government of India, IIT Madras aims to incubate 25 sports tech start-ups annually through CESSA. The Center, housed in a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility, will serve as a test bed for piloting sports technology.

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