Indoor climbing is increasingly becoming a popular sport worldwide, but tracking its growth and dynamics can be a complex challenge. Spanish startup Lizcore has emerged as a key player in this space, showcasing their innovative solutions for enhancing the climbing experience. By focusing on both gamification and safety, Lizcore is not only making the sport more enjoyable but also safer for enthusiasts.
Founded by CEO Edgar Casanovas Lorente, a former climbing instructor, and his co-founder Marçal Juan, Lizcore aims to bring the social aspects of climbing to life through technology. This blend of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit has led to the development of a lightweight NFC (Near Field Communication) bracelet that climbers wear. Unlike cumbersome mobile devices or hardware, this bracelet is designed for seamless integration into the climbing experience.
Through the bracelet, climbers can track their performances without the distractions of traditional tracking methods. Coupled with smart base units and top-out holds, the system captures valuable route statistics and allows climbers to monitor their progress through an intuitive app. This kind of digital engagement is already familiar in many other sports through wearables and tracking apps, but Lizcore’s approach is unique to the indoor climbing community.
Since its inception, Lizcore has made significant strides in the business realm, most notably raising a pre-seed funding round amounting to approximately €600,000 (around $630,000) from various investors. This includes support from sector-specific backers and governmental assistance in the form of grants and loans. Such financial backing is critical, enabling Lizcore to move forward with commercializing their innovative technology for climbing gyms.
The startup recently solidified its first client relationship with Drac de Pedra, a climbing gym located in Catalonia. By hosting a demonstration of their route tracking technology, Lizcore is not just selling a product but also building partnerships aimed at promoting technological advancements in climbing venues.
Another critical aspect that Lizcore tackles is safety, particularly concerning autobelays, which are devices that allow climbers to climb without a belayer. Despite their convenience, autobelays have been linked to accidents due to improper use, often stemming from climbers forgetting to clip themselves in securely. To mitigate these risks, Lizcore is developing a safety device that marries technology with climbing practices.
This safety device integrates with the NFC wristbands and offers digital credentialing for climbers. By requiring a digital credential to access autobelays, the risks of accidents can be significantly reduced. Additionally, Lizcore’s system employs AI technology capable of analyzing footage from strategically positioned cameras to verify whether climbers are properly secured before ascending. Such checks not only enhance safety but also reduce the liability for climbing gyms.
The deployment of advanced AI systems reflects a growing trend in sports technology to automate safety checks. Lizcore’s commitment to using machine learning to improve safety standards is commendable, but it’s important to acknowledge that reaching 100% accuracy in detecting safety compliance is an ambitious goal. The aim is to provide multiple layers of security through this AI integration, combining technological checks with traditional safety measures.
Juan emphasizes that the evolving landscape of indoor climbing demands innovative safety solutions. With deaths associated with autobelay mishaps every year, Lizcore’s system presents a timely remedy to modern climbing gyms scrambling to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patrons.
As Lizcore grows, so too does its promise for the future of climbing gyms. The startup has expanded its workforce from two founders to a robust team of nine, showcasing a commitment to innovation and improvement. The focus on enhancing the user experience through gamification, alongside rigorous safety measures, positions Lizcore uniquely in the realm of climbing technology.
The interest from gyms is palpable, especially as safety becomes a pressing concern. Climbers are now more informed about the risks involved in the sport, which creates an increased demand for solutions that prioritize their protection. Lizcore stands at the forefront of this evolution, ready to transform indoor climbing into a safer, more engaging activity for enthusiasts of all levels.
As technology intermingles with sports—particularly indoor climbing—the landscape continues to evolve. Lizcore’s approach promises not only to revolutionize the climbing experience through gamification but, more importantly, to ensure climbers’ safety through its innovative solutions.