Indoor climbing has always faced the challenges of tracking performance and ensuring safety. However, the advent of innovative technologies is set to reshape this landscape. Spanish startup, Lizcore, recently garnered attention for its groundbreaking approach to making indoor climbing not just safer but more engaging. At a recent tech event, the co-founders, Edgar Casanovas Lorente and Marçal Juan, introduced a system designed to integrate social gamification into climbing routines—a shift that draws inspiration from the growing trend of fitness wearables and tracking applications used in various sports.
With a simple yet effective solution, Lizcore has revolutionized how climbers can record their progress. Their innovative hardware, a lightweight NFC bracelet, allows climbers to track their performance without the burden of cumbersome devices or mobile phones while climbing. This hands-free solution permits users to focus on their climbing without distractions, making the sport more enjoyable and safer.
Following the demonstration of their product, Lizcore successfully secured a pre-seed funding round of approximately €600,000 (around $630,000). This funding comes from a diverse array of investors, including Startup Wise Guys, individual business angels, and a substantial government contribution in the form of interest-free loans and grants. Such backing not only signifies confidence in Lizcore’s vision but also illustrates the increasing interest in technology-driven solutions for sports and fitness.
The company’s first major client, a climbing gym in Catalonia known as Drac de Pedra, has shown interest in adopting Lizcore’s technology. This partnership is particularly significant as it represents the first step toward commercializing Lizcore’s offerings. As they aim to install their system in various climbing gyms, maintaining momentum while addressing potential obstacles will be vital for their aspirations.
While the tracking aspect is essential, Lizcore’s commitment to safety cannot be overlooked. Juan emphasized that the development of an improved safety device for autobelays is a paramount focus. Autobelays allow climbers to ascend without needing assistance, but safety concerns have raised alarms in the climbing community due to occurrences of negligence with these devices. Climbers sometimes forget to secure themselves properly, leading to catastrophic accidents, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
Lizcore proposes a dual approach to address these risks. Firstly, the innovative NFC bracelet will serve as a digital credential, ensuring that only climbers who meet specific safety requirements can access autobelay systems. Secondly, by integrating artificial intelligence and camera technology, Lizcore can monitor climbers’ safety in real-time. The AI will analyze footage to verify whether climbers are correctly harnessed before they ascend, adding an extra layer of security that is notably absent in many climbing facilities.
Casanovas acknowledged the inherent difficulties in developing hardware, admitting that their journey has not been without challenges. Reliability issues with their initial route tracking kit signify hurdles that need to be addressed as they scale their operation. The expansion of their team from two to nine reflects a pursuit of talent to tackle these challenges effectively and to gain traction within the climbing community.
While the road is full of potential obstacles, the co-founders remain optimistic. They are working to refine their technology and expand their system’s compatibility with various brands of autobelay machines. The aim is to ensure seamless integration, which is necessary for broad adoption across different climbing gyms.
The future of indoor climbing may well hinge on the successful integration of technology that enhances safety while simultaneously boosting climber engagement. With the increasing demand for safety features among gyms, Lizcore is strategically positioned at the forefront of this booming market. Their combination of route tracking and safety device features promises to reduce risks while also adding a competitive edge to regular climbing sessions.
Ultimately, while climbing is a sport defined by physical endurance and skill, innovations like those offered by Lizcore can enhance the experience dramatically. By marrying cutting-edge technology with existing safety protocols, indoor climbing can evolve into a universe of enhanced performance tracking and safety assurance, which could attract a broader audience to the sport. As Lizcore continues to refine its offerings, it may not only transform the climbing industry but also set a precedent for integrating technology into other adventure sports.