Indoor climbing is a sport that often lacks the tracking and gamification features found in many other physical activities. However, the Spanish startup Lizcore has emerged as a significant player in transforming this niche market. Co-founded by Edgar Casanovas Lorente, a former climbing instructor turned entrepreneur, Lizcore seeks to integrate technology into climbing gyms, allowing for enriched experiences fueled by data and social interaction.
At the heart of Lizcore’s innovation is a lightweight NFC bracelet that climbers can wear during their ascent. This minimalist approach curtails the need for cumbersome devices or smartphones, allowing climbers to enjoy the experience without distractions. The bracelet works seamlessly with smart base units and top-out holds, collecting valuable information about the climber’s performance. All the captured data is funneled into a dedicated app, which climbers can use to monitor their progress and engage with the community, effectively gamifying the climbing experience.
This shift toward technology hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lizcore has successfully raised approximately €600,000 (around $630,000), enabling the startup to further push its product to market. The funding has come from various stakeholders, including investors and business angels, who see potential in digitizing the climbing environment. Moreover, the partnership with Drac de Pedra, a climbing gym in Catalonia, marks a positive step in Lizcore’s journey, laying the groundwork for further installations across other gyms.
While digitization is a crucial component of Lizcore’s vision, the safety aspect is of equal importance. The development of a safety device specifically designed for autobelays—a system that allows climbers to ascend without a partner—addresses a significant issue in climbing gyms. Current auto-belaying systems carry inherent risks, including improper harness connections, which can lead to accidents.
Lizcore aims to mitigate these hazards with a smart solution. By integrating digital credentials into the NFC bands, climbers without the necessary certification to use autobelays will be unable to access the belts, significantly enhancing safety. This automated precaution addresses a problem that has long plagued climbing facilities: the monitoring of climber credentials to ensure compliance and safety.
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Security
In addition to credential tracking, Lizcore plans to integrate sophisticated AI technology. Cameras positioned strategically will monitor climbers, confirming correct harness attachments and alerting staff in real-time if a climber ascends without being adequately secured. The focus on machine learning is particularly illuminating; the company acknowledges that achieving 100% accuracy is unrealistic. Instead, they aim to create a layered security approach that significantly reduces risk while still allowing climbers to enjoy their activity.
Casanovas emphasizes that the security enhancements provided by Lizcore are not standalone features but rather integral components of an overall experience that includes route tracking and social interaction. This multifaceted focus addresses safety while also fostering a sense of community among climbers.
Future Prospects: Expanding the Horizon
With a growing team now comprised of nine individuals, Lizcore is well-positioned to refine its technology and broaden its reach in the climbing sector. As they transition from concept to commercialization, gaining traction with more gyms will be vital for their success. The ambitious plans include extending their autobelay safety devices to accommodate various brands and types of climbing hardware.
There’s also a burgeoning interest within the climbing community for features that enhance overall safety, suggesting a shifting attitude towards technology in indoor climbing facilities. As Lizcore continues to innovate, their unique blend of safety, innovation, and user engagement could very well set new industry standards.
Lizcore stands at the intersection of technology and sport, promising not only to transform indoor climbing but also to ensure that safety remains paramount. The company’s ambitions reflect an understanding of the evolving landscape of sports technology, positioning them as a potential leader in a niche, yet rapidly expanding market. As they look to the future, one can expect Lizcore to continue pioneering advancements that merge the thrill of climbing with cutting-edge technology, making every ascent a monitored and safer experience.