Friday, October 9, 2026
IoT at Decathlon – A team sport!
Decathlon and connected innovation: A sporting revolution in progress In a world where technology and sport are increasingly intertwined, Decathlon is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation with its Business Unit dedicated to connected objects, the Connected Sports Platform (CSP). At the 10th edition of SIDO, Jérémy Wachbar, Director of Product Management and Marc Balme, Director of Engineering, the leaders of this initiative, shared their vision, their projects and the challenges encountered in developing connected solutions for athletes.
A new lease of life for sport
Decathlon doesn't just sell sporting goods; the company aspires to "move people towards playing sports." This new mantra replaces the old vision of making sport accessible to everyone. The objective is clear: to create enriching sporting experiences that appeal to a wide audience, from amateurs to experts.
The genesis of the Connected Sports Platform
Launched in 2022, the CSP project was created to meet a growing demand for connectivity in the sports sector. In just two years, the team has grown from 20 to 120 members, developing a multitude of projects ranging from simple connectivity to autonomous devices capable of permanently connecting to the internet.
Innovative projects to support athletes
CSP has already completed several significant projects. Among them, the project Focus & Movewhich aims to make target shooting accessible to a wider audience through a system of connected targets. This project perfectly illustrates Decathlon's commitment to democratizing sport. Another example is the treadmill Run 500which integrates Wi-Fi connectivity and allows users to access an enhanced experience via third-party applications like Kinomap. The goal is to rethink the user experience, going beyond the simple physical product.
A user-centric approach
CSP isn't just about technology. The team works closely with Decathlon's sports brands to ensure that products meet user needs. For example, with the basketball brand TarmacCSP has developed a connected accessory for basketball hoops, allowing young people to play longer and in a more engaging way.
A versatile and agile team
The key to CSP's success lies in its multidisciplinary team. Team members possess diverse skills ranging from engineering to cybersecurity, enabling them to address projects in an integrated manner. This full-stack approach ensures that every aspect of development is considered, from design to implementation. Conclusion : With the Connected Sports Platform, Decathlon isn't just following the trend of connected devices; the company is redefining how sport is practiced and experienced. Thanks to a committed team, innovative projects, and a user-centric vision, Decathlon is well-positioned to transform the sporting landscape and encourage more accessible and sustainable participation. [cta] SIDO, September 18, 2024, Confluence Auditorium – Synopsis Decathlon is much more than just a sports equipment distributor: the group designs its own product lines. Decathlon seeks to reinvent itself, and this involves connecting sports products. This paves the way for new and memorable sporting experiences for our users. To achieve this, the Connected Sports Platform team acts as an accelerator, both for innovation and for the development of products and services, at the crossroads of the digital world and physical products. Discover how Decathlon has fostered a unique team within the group by building a suitable organization and governance structure. A success story illustrated with some key new products for 2024. Image credit: Decathlon