AI Trials, a promising sports tech startup from Kozhikode, has made headlines by securing a strategic investment from 33 Holdings, a global investment firm led by Mohammed Miandad V.P. This investment marks a key milestone in the startup’s journey to reshape how football scouting operates globally using artificial intelligence.
Founded by Mohamed Asif and Zoheb P.K, two visionary entrepreneurs from Kerala, AI Trials is set to transform traditional talent discovery in football. The startup has already received early backing from Qatar Bank, which validated its innovative approach. This new investment from Kochi-based 33 Holdings aims to fuel AI Trials’ expansion into Europe and Africa, two of the world’s most dynamic football regions.
The Vision Behind AI Trials: Talent Without Borders
AI Trials was born from a simple but powerful idea: eliminate the barriers that prevent young footballers from reaching their potential. Instead of relying on limited physical trials and subjective scouting reports, the platform uses Artificial Intelligence to evaluate players purely based on performance metrics.
Footballers from anywhere in the world can upload videos of their gameplay to the AI Trials platform. The system analyses key physical attributes such as speed, stamina, ball control, positioning, and decision-making using advanced AI models. The platform then generates detailed player reports that scouts and clubs can access globally.
This system creates equal opportunity—a boy playing barefoot in Malappuram or a teen from Lagos can now be visible to clubs in Spain, France, or Qatar without stepping on a plane.
Smart Technology for Smarter Scouting
AI Trials doesn’t just digitise the scouting process; it elevates it with real-time, data-driven intelligence. The platform leverages machine learning and video recognition tools to break down in-game performance into measurable metrics.
The AI engine identifies strengths and weaknesses, compares players to similar profiles across professional leagues, and even suggests developmental paths. Players receive automated performance reports, while scouts and academies use dashboards to sort, filter, and track potential prospects based on custom criteria.
This approach solves two major problems in modern football:
- Subjectivity in scouting decisions
- Limited visibility for players outside major football ecosystems
Instead of relying on instinct, scouts can now rely on performance evidence, ensuring better talent acquisition and development decisions.
Investment from 33 Holdings: More Than Just Capital
The latest funding comes from 33 Holdings, a firm known for its focus on innovation, technology, and cross-border expansion. Founded by Mohammed Miandad V.P., the company holds interests in various industries ranging from fintech to sports and entertainment.
According to Miandad, AI Trials presented a rare blend of purpose and profit potential. He believes that a platform like this can transform the way the world discovers and nurtures footballing talent.
“AI Trials is not just building software,” Miandad said. “They are building dreams, creating a pipeline for young players who would otherwise go unnoticed. Their use of data and AI in scouting is years ahead of what most countries and clubs are doing.”
Miandad also clarified that the partnership goes beyond a financial transaction. 33 Holdings will offer technology support, global sports network access, and strategic guidance to help AI Trials scale into international markets.
Empowering Kerala’s Football Talent
The founders of AI Trials, Asif and Zoheb, haven’t forgotten their roots. Their journey began with a passion for football in Kerala—a state known for its love of the sport but often overlooked by professional clubs outside India.
Earlier this year, the startup organised a talent screening camp in Kozhikode, in partnership with KFTC Academy. Hundreds of players attended the camp, where AI Trials used their proprietary tools to assess participants. The platform’s AI generated immediate feedback, giving young athletes insights into their fitness levels, technique, and tactical understanding.
The founders want to bridge the gap between Kerala’s raw talent and global football systems. The latest funding now gives them the firepower to do just that.
Global Ambitions: Europe and Africa in Sight
With the new investment, AI Trials is preparing to expand into two of football’s biggest talent pools—Europe and Africa.
In Europe, the startup plans to partner with mid-tier clubs, academies, and youth programs that lack the resources of top-tier teams but still seek efficient, data-backed scouting tools.
In Africa, where millions of talented youth go unnoticed due to lack of access and exposure, AI Trials wants to roll out community-based digital trials. By setting up regional hubs and partnerships with local NGOs, the company hopes to give deserving players a stage.
Zoheb shared their global strategy:
“We aren’t looking to compete with FIFA or UEFA tech systems. We’re filling the gap where no tech exists. Where a mobile phone video and our AI can do what used to take months of travel, money, and luck.”
Tech Meets Purpose: A Scalable, Ethical Business Model
Unlike many sports-tech startups that rely on high entry costs, AI Trials runs on a freemium model. Players can upload and get basic feedback for free, while detailed analytics come at a modest fee. Clubs, scouts, and academies subscribe to the platform based on tiers—regional, national, or international access.
This model ensures scalability without excluding grassroots users. AI Trials also plans to launch:
- A mobile app for remote tracking and real-time stats
- A B2B API integration with club management systems
- A scout certification program to train evaluators in using the platform
The founders believe that ethical tech can still be profitable. They are committed to data privacy, bias-free algorithms, and transparency in player evaluations.
A Growing Sports-Tech Ecosystem in India
AI Trials’ rise reflects a broader trend: India’s sports-tech sector is booming. Startups are building solutions across cricket, fitness, esports, and now, football.
With government backing for “Digital India” and increased interest from global investors, Indian startups like AI Trials are no longer just serving the domestic market—they are innovating for the world.
The spotlight on Kozhikode shows that innovation doesn’t just belong to big cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai. With the right vision, technology, and support, even tier-2 cities can create global impact.
Final Thoughts
AI Trials is not just a tech company—it’s a mission-driven venture. By combining the power of AI with the universal passion for football, it is opening doors for thousands of young players who never had access to global platforms before.
The investment from 33 Holdings reinforces the startup’s potential to go global. As it sets its sights on Europe and Africa, AI Trials continues to build a world where talent knows no boundaries, and opportunity comes not from privilege—but from performance.
From Kozhikode to the world stage, AI Trials represents the future of football scouting. And it’s just getting started.
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