Loughborough Researchers Embed Deep Learning into aiScout Platform

Innovate UK-Backed KTP Powers New Era in Talent Scouting Technology

Loughborough University, well-recognised for its academic excellence, has recently announced a new collaboration with a technology company, ai.io. This tech company has expertise in artificial intelligence solutions for analysing and enhancing human performance, mainly in sports. The firm has developed advanced platforms, including aiScout and 3DAT. Moreover, the company is known for bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application. Together, these giants work on transforming Sports Talent Discovery through advanced digital tools.

The partnership is being delivered via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), supported by Innovate UK, and brings together academic expertise and commercial innovation to shape the future of sports performance.ai.io, a firm specialising in Artificial Intelligence in Sports, is working closely with Loughborough’s Computer Science department to enhance its aiScout platform. This mobile app enables amateur players to record football drills using their phones, with Mobile Video Analysis powered by AI assessing their movements against hundreds of Performance Metrics. The platform is already used by leading clubs such as Chelsea FC, Burnley FC, and Major League Soccer (MLS) to support global Talent Scouting and development.

Through this collaboration, Loughborough researchers will embed their knowledge of Deep Learning & AI and Computer Vision into the platform. Their goal is to improve how the app interprets footage, making it more accurate in analysing player movements, environmental conditions, and overall performance quality. The project is led by Professors Baihua Li and Qinggang Meng, alongside Dr Mohamad Saada. Dr Liang Fan, selected from over 140 applicants, will serve as the KTP Associate, playing a central role in delivering the initiative.

Professor Li stated that Loughborough University’s global reputation in sports science and technology made it a natural fit for this work. She emphasised that the project demonstrates how academic research can lead to practical innovation, benefiting athletes, clubs, and the wider sports industry. The partnership also creates new opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to cutting-edge sports technology. Dr Chris Howe, Research and Innovation Lead at ai.io, noted that the collaboration highlights the value of KTPs in bridging academic research with commercial application. He added that by integrating Loughborough’s expertise in AI and Computer Vision, ai.io is already seeing improvements in early talent detection and performance enhancement. This partnership reflects the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in Sports and shows how university–industry collaboration can support UK Growth, Research & Innovation, and public benefit. It also demonstrates how amateur players can use mobile phone footage for professional trials, making talent pathways more accessible and data-driven.

Editor’s Note:

This collaboration between Loughborough University and ai.io marks a giant leap in the evolution of sports talent discovery. By partnering academic rigour with commercial innovation, this project is an example of how university–industry partnerships can create a meaningful impact with regard to elite organisations and aspiring athletes all around the world. Typically, what distinguishes this programme from others is its commitment to being accessible to all. The aiScout platform, using artificial intelligence and refined perturbations through deep learning and computer vision, enables amateur players to showcase their abilities via their mobile phones. This democratisation of talent scouting is both timely and desperately needed, especially since conventional pathways are limited and resource-intensive. This project benefits from the involvement of Loughborough, giving it credibility and depth. Long-term expertise from the University in sports science and technology guarantees that the research underpinning this work is sound and relevant to the changing needs in the field. The application of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership model strengthens the case for embedding academic knowledge directly within commercial practice.

Skoobuzz believes that this partnership demonstrates a clear path for the secure and appropriate integration of artificial intelligence into sports, aligning with the growing emphasis on performance metrics and data-driven decisions in determining sporting outcomes. It exemplifies targeted innovation contributing to UK growth, boosting R&D, and delivering public benefits.

FAQs

1. What is the partnership between Loughborough University and ai.io?

Loughborough University has partnered with technology company ai.io to improve sports talent discovery using artificial intelligence. The collaboration is delivered through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK.

2. What does the aiScout platform by ai.io do?

aiScout is a mobile app that allows amateur footballers to record drills using their phones. The app uses AI to analyse player movements against hundreds of performance metrics, helping clubs scout and develop talent globally.

3. How is Loughborough University using AI for sports talent scouting?

Loughborough’s Computer Science department is embedding deep learning and computer vision expertise into aiScout to improve how the app interprets footage and assesses player performance.

4. Which football clubs use the ai.io scouting platform?

Clubs and federations such as Chelsea FC, Burnley FC, and Major League Soccer (MLS) use aiScout to identify and develop talent worldwide.

5. What role do deep learning and computer vision play in this project?

These technologies help the app analyse scenes, objects, and player movements more accurately, offering better insights into performance quality and environmental impact.

6. How can amateur players use mobile phone footage for professional trials?

Players can download the aiScout app for free, complete football drills, and submit their footage. AI then evaluates their performance, giving them a chance to be noticed by professional clubs.

7. What is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?

A KTP is a government-supported scheme that connects businesses with universities to apply academic research in commercial settings. This project is funded by Innovate UK.

8. Who is leading the project at Loughborough University?

The initiative is led by Professors Baihua Li and Qinggang Meng, with Dr Mohamad Saada and KTP Associate Dr Liang Fan playing key roles.