From engineering labs to the cutting edge of sports tech, Jeet Karmakar, the visionary co-founder of StepOut, is redefining how athletes train and get noticed. StepOut, a pioneering startup leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze player performance from match videos, is on a mission to democratize professional grade sports analytics. Speaking to ANI at the UAE-India Startup Series in Delhi, Karmakar shared the inspiring journey of StepOut and how it’s rapidly expanding its global footprint, helping young athletes worldwide bridge the gap between grassroots talent and elite scouting systems.
StepOut mission
At the recent UAE-India Startup Series event in Delhi, Jeet Karmakar, co-founder of StepOut, told ANI about the startup’s mission and milestones:“We majorly work with sports teams and help them improve their performance and identify the right talent. I think a lot of startups applied, and 500 were selected. Right now we are in the top 20, looking forward to being in the top five. It feels like a packed schedule for the next two days, with many events lined up. Apart from the pitch competition, it’s a great experience interacting with other founders.”StepOut’s AI powered platform focuses on football but is designed to expand to other sports, democratizing access to professional level performance analysis. By combining computer vision, machine learning, and a SaaS delivery model, StepOut empowers clubs, coaches, and players globally to make data driven decisions and discover emerging talent.With its innovative technology, international partnerships, and a mission rooted in inclusivity, StepOut is redefining how youth sports performance is analyzed and showcased around the world.
From engineer to entrepreneur
Jeet Karmakar, a computer science graduate from NIT Durgapur, began his tech career with over eight years of experience in product development, full stack engineering, and team leadership. He scaled platforms and teams at WorkIndia, progressing from early stage tech contributor to Engineering Manager.His passion for sports, rooted in his Kolkata upbringing and a personal love for cricket and football, combined with his tech expertise, inspired him to co-found StepOut. Even as a college student, Jeet built his first startup, demonstrating curiosity, scrappiness, and a belief in creating technology that is accessible, affordable, and impactful.At StepOut, Jeet focuses on technical development, product design, customer experience, and fundraising, while also contributing to business strategy and operational growth.
StepOut’s technology and approach
StepOut transforms match videos into detailed, actionable insights using AI and machine learning. Its platform requires only a single video to generate comprehensive performance analysis, tracking every player and event on the field with 99% data accuracy.Key features include:Admin web app for coaches and analysts – Offers performance dashboards and actionable insights.Mobile app for players – Provides user-friendly summaries and recommendations.The technology automates the manual, time consuming work traditionally handled by coaches, saving teams up to 80% of their time. StepOut also allows young athletes to build data backed CVs, helping scouts identify hidden talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Global reach and recognition
StepOut has partnered with over 60 clubs and academies across 18 countries, analyzing more than 50,000 players worldwide. Notable partners include AFC Ajax, Rayo Vallecano, Apollon Limassol FC, and Bengaluru FC.The startup also became the first Asian company to win the UEFA Ajax Reimagine Football Innovation Challenge, showcasing its international recognition and pioneering role in sports tech. With a presence spanning Europe, the USA, Canada, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, StepOut continues to expand its footprint.
