G2 – WYF USA 2026 : Hackathon at the World Youth Forum 2026 Showcases sustainable fan engagement innovation.
As part of the World Youth Forum – Special World Cup 2026 in Miramar, Florida, the international Hackathon continued to spotlight youth-driven innovation with a second project focused on transforming fan experiences, stadium sustainability, and local economic impact.
The team introduced an ambitious concept titled Sustainable Fan Engagement Platform, a digital ecosystem designed to keep sports fans actively engaged beyond match days while generating measurable benefits for clubs, local businesses, and communities.
Addressing Major Stadium Challenges
The project identified several common issues affecting major sports venues around the world:
- Stadiums remain inactive nearly 90% of the year
- Recycling rates often stay below 20%
- Fans receive little recognition for positive actions
- Engagement declines immediately after games
- Local businesses are frequently excluded from event ecosystems
- Stadiums spend between R$6 to R$8 million annually on cleaning and maintenance
These challenges inspired the team to develop a model that connects fan participation with sustainability and economic incentives.
How the Platform Works
Using existing technologies such as React Native, GPS, camera integration, APIs, and TypeScript, the platform creates an interactive fan experience through gamification.
User Journey:
Step 1 – Action
Fans scan QR codes and validate participation through geolocation.
Step 2 – Points
Users earn points and move up in live fan rankings.
Step 3 – Real Rewards
Points can be redeemed for merchandise, tickets, and exclusive experiences with players.
The system also includes daily missions, structured scoring, and progress tracking to maintain continuous engagement.
Strong Social and Economic Impact
The team projected significant measurable benefits:
Sports Impact
- Engaged fans interact 3 times more
Economic Impact
- Highly engaged fans spend 2 times more
- Local partnerships can improve conversions by 30%
Social Impact
- Recycling performance could increase to double current rates
Scalable Business Model
The platform was also designed with financial sustainability in mind through:
- Monthly SaaS subscriptions for clubs and stadiums
- Partner promotions within the app
- Transaction commissions
- Performance-based campaigns for local businesses
Youth Innovation in Action
This project perfectly demonstrated how young innovators are rethinking the future of sports infrastructure and fan participation. By combining technology, sustainability, behavioral incentives, and local commerce, the team presented a practical solution that could be implemented at stadiums and mega-events worldwide.
The project was developed by Ana Beatriz Mazzocco, Pietro Guimarães, Igor Toste, Caio Temperini, Me. Heric Barreto, and other contributors.
Building the Future of Sport
Through initiatives like this Hackathon, the World Youth Forum continues to empower the next generation to create bold and actionable ideas that connect sports, communities, and sustainable development.
