How Quidich Innovation Labs Is Transforming The Sports Fan Experience

From wearable gadgets to AI-driven strategy planning, technology has become a key part of sports both on and off the field, affecting every aspect of the sports industry. Quidich Innovation Labs, co-founded by Rahat Kulshreshtha and Gaurav Mehta, is transforming sports broadcasting with drone and VR technology. As technology merges with creativity and commerce, sports are paving the way for increased well-being and enhanced fan experience.

The AI sector within the sports industry is expanding at a significant pace. Projections indicate that by 2032, the global market for sports analytics will reach $29.7 billion, with the AI segment specifically forecasted to grow to $19.9 billion.

Quidich Innovation Labs, a tech startup co-founded by Rahat Kulshreshtha and Gaurav Mehta is changing the overall fan experiences by leveraging drones and virtual reality (VR) technology.

The sports industry is undergoing a seismic shift in the way fans engage with their favourite games. The old way of watching sports in just two dimensions is becoming outdated. Today, technological advancements are revolutionising the spectator experience, offering fans unprecedented ways to immerse themselves in the action. 

The evolution of sports fan experiences over the years

Traditionally, fans experienced sports primarily within stadiums, where they enjoyed live games, cheered for their teams, and soaked in the atmosphere. This in-person experience was initially complemented by radio broadcasts, and later by television, which brought sports into homes, allowing fans to follow their favourite teams and players from a distance.

The 1980s and 1990s marked the dominance of television in sports consumption. Major networks invested heavily in broadcasting rights, leading to high-quality, live sports coverage. This era introduced innovations such as slow-motion replays, multiple camera angles, and expert commentary, significantly enhancing the viewing experience. The NFL's "Monday Night Football" and ESPN's extensive sports programming exemplify how television made games more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

The digital age brought another significant transformation in the fan experience. The rise of the internet and mobile technology in the 2000s enabled fans to access sports content anytime and anywhere. Websites, social media platforms, and streaming services offered real-time updates, live scores, and on-demand highlights. For example, the NBA's partnership with Twitter to stream live games and provide instant highlights showcases the integral role social media now plays in fan engagement. Fans could interact with each other and their favourite teams and athletes, fostering a more connected and interactive community.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) have further revolutionised the fan experience. AI-powered analytics provide in-depth insights and personalised content, catering to individual preferences. IBM's Watson AI, for instance, has been utilised at the US Open to enhance the fan experience with real-time analysis and player statistics. Meanwhile, VR technology offers immersive experiences, bringing fans closer to the action. The NBA's collaboration with VR companies to offer courtside seats through VR headsets enables fans to experience games as if they were sitting in the front row, all from the comfort of their homes.

The genesis of Quidich Innovation Labs

In 2013, Rahat Kulshreshtha, then a graduate student with aspirations of becoming a Bollywood filmmaker, found himself sharing a cramped dorm room with Gaurav Mehta. The room was a typical student setup, cluttered with textbooks, take-out containers, and a DJI Phantom One omnidirectional drone. Kulshreshtha, who works part-time on music videos, rented the drone for an aerial shot of an Audi on an expressway. Little did he know that this drone would become the cornerstone of Quidich Innovation Labs, a company that would go on to revolutionise sports broadcasting.

The journey began as a school project, but the potential for commercial application quickly became apparent. The founders named their company Quidich, a playful nod to the fictional sport Quidditch from the Harry Potter series. The name symbolises the company's mission to bring a touch of magic to the world of sports through innovative technology. 

Quidich Innovation Labs: Tech-enabled sports experience

Quidich's flagship innovation lies in its use of state-of-the-art drones and VR technology to enhance sports broadcasting. The company has developed a suite of tools that allow broadcasters to provide fans with a more immersive experience. This is particularly revolutionary for sports like cricket, where the 360-degree nature of play offers unique challenges and opportunities for viewer engagement.

Quidich has also worked with other major sporting events, including the Hockey World Cup. The company is actively exploring opportunities to expand its VR offerings to other platforms, such as Oculus, to make immersive sports experiences accessible to an even broader audience.

Quidich recently launched the ICC Immersive app that is compatible with the Apple Vision Pro. The app offers a VR extension that allows fans to watch cricket matches in a 3D virtual space. The timing of the launch was perfect, coinciding with the Men's T20 Cricket World Cup, the first such event to include matches hosted in the United States. The app's technology enables online viewers to feel as if they are on the field with the players, providing an unprecedented level of immersion. This innovation is particularly well-suited to cricket, where the ball can be hit in any direction, including behind the players.

QuickFlip is a tool developed by Quidich Innovation Labs. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to automatically convert traditional horizontal video broadcasts into vertical formats suitable for mobile viewing. This innovation is particularly useful for enhancing viewer engagement on platforms that prefer vertical content, such as social media and mobile applications.

QuickFlip was notably deployed during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup 2024, allowing the transformation of standard 16:9 footage into vertical aspect ratios like 9:16 or 1:1 without needing separate vertical capture. This technology enables broadcasters to offer a more immersive and dynamic viewing experience, especially for audiences on mobile devices. A Quick Snapshot of QuickFlip:

AI-Powered Adaptation: Converts regular 16:9 video into vertical broadcasts, keeping the action engaging for all screens.

Optimised for Cricket: Recognises key moments in the game and adjusts the footage to fit different screen sizes in real time, so you never miss the action.

Smart Cut Detection: Processes the broadcast feed to keep the video smooth and engaging, perfect for mobile viewing.

Versatile Delivery: Works with both traditional SDI and modern cloud streaming, fitting into various broadcasting setups.

Unique Storytelling: QuickFlip’s AI centres the action in the frame, offering a fresh way to watch the game that matches today’s viewing habits and brings you closer to the excitement.

The global sports broadcast portfolio of Quidich Labs

Quidich Innovation Labs has built a dynamic and diverse portfolio with a diverse expertise in sports broadcasting, immersive experiences, and innovative technologies. At the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, Quidich addressed mobile-first broadcasting challenges with their QUICKFLIP solution, enhancing the viewing experience for cricket fans. Their collaboration with Apple Vision Pro introduced the ICC Immersive App, powered by Quidich's Hyperreality, offering fans an unparalleled immersive cricket experience.

Quidich has been a key player in various sports events and industry conferences. They presented at SPORTEL Bali, sharing insights into the future of sports broadcasting. Their Hyperview technology was shortlisted at the STA 2024, and they achieved dual recognition at international awards, underlining their innovation in the field.

Quidich has also been active in the IPL, introducing technologies like Hyperview and STIQY in 2023, and leveraging drone augmented reality in IPL 2022. Their work extends to other major cricket events such as the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 and the ICC Under 19 and Women's T20 World Cups.

Beyond sports, Quidich has contributed to the film and entertainment industry, working on projects like "Gully Boy," "Yeh Ballet," "Special Ops," and "Student of the Year 2." Their technological prowess has also been applied in diverse areas such as the Reliance Jio 5G Drone Patrol and the Election Express.

Quidich Innovation Labs: Shaping the future of sports broadcasting

As Quidich Innovation Labs continues to grow, the company is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of sports broadcasting. With ongoing developments in drone technology, VR, and other immersive media, the innovation potential is vast. Kulshreshtha and Mehta are committed to exploring these frontiers, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to create unforgettable experiences for sports fans around the world.

In an era where technology is transforming every aspect of life, Quidich Innovation Labs stands out as a beacon of innovation in sports. The company's journey from a dorm room startup to a global player in sports tech is a testament to the power of combining creativity and commerce. As they continue to break new ground, Kulshreshtha and Mehta are not just changing the way fans watch sports; they are redefining the very concept of sports viewership for a new generation.