Sporting Data: Measured, Mined & Maximised. 10 Swiss Sport Startups to Watch
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When you think about sports, you think about athletes competing and having fun; they’re playing a game after all. But really, the game they are playing is a numbers game. Sports are dominated by data and analytics. In the world of sports, tech is building better athletes, and keeping them safer on the field. As fans, it’s helping you to follow the action, and in the case of social media technology, helping directly connect us with our sports heroes. Technology is going to play an even bigger part in sports in the future.
When sport gets serious, deeper data can provide the winning edge. Swiss startups are capitalising on smaller sensors and smarter software to help professionals perform better. Similar technology gives dedicated amateurs the chance to become their best too. Novel designs enhance comfort and practicality for every sport-lover, whether off-the-piste or on-the-sofa.
10 Swiss sport tech startups to watch:
Aerotain AG
Steerable, flying advertising spheres that can roam safely over indoor audiences or outdoor spectators, thanks to the company’s touchable drone technology. When there is no game going on, Aerotain entertains the crowd with live video interaction, for instance a flying kiss-cam.
Alogo Analysis SA
Marries software and motion sensors to analyse the movement of horses, delivering data to dressage riding and competitions. The transmitters worn by horses allow trainers to measure the trajectory of their animals’ jumps and strides. At competitions live data can show audiences which jumps are the most difficult and how the different competitors ride the course.
DAHU Sports Company Ltd
Creates the sturdy strength of a ski boot using a rigid exoskeleton that wraps around a flexible shoe. The comfortable and fashionable footwear, which is suitable for walking, hiking or après-ski, can convert back to a ski boot in a click.
DigitArena SA
The company’s panoramic broadcasting equipment and software lets remote-viewers chose their viewing angle and which part of the action to follow. The software can also tailor pitch-side adverts to the viewer’s geography or demography.
Advanced Sport Instruments SA
Makes wearable sensors and software to track the position and motion of football players. The 35-gram tracker fits on an undershirt worn by professional teams in matches and training. FieldWiz technology was used at the men’s football world cup in Russia. The company’s clients span 20 countries and include the French Football Federation, winners of the 2018 competition.
IDUN Technologies AG
Inspired by grasshopper feet, this company’s soft electrodes can record brain, muscle and blood activity without the glue that can irritate skin. This lasting, wearable comfort opens potential for use in virtual reality, brain-computer communication and the long-term tracking of individual health data.
MilKit (Sport Components AG)
This engineering company’s valves make it easier for mountain bikers to check the sealant inside their tyres. MilKit’s system means riders can safely maximise their leisure activities, without wasting time and sealant deflating and re-inflating tyres.
On AG
This 8-year-old company has sold more than 3 million pairs of its ‘cloud’ running shoes in 50 countries. The sole’s structured rubber cushioning makes it the world’s lightest, and gives the athlete natural running freedom, the company says.
PeersPoint SA
Developing software for sports federations to manage all participants, from athletes and match officials to club treasurers and league organisers. The use of blockchain technology to record and validate data should prevent licence fraud or players playing after concussion. Initial clients include the Swiss Rugby Federation.
Skioo SA
This pay-as-you-ski sensor lets skiers ride lifts across 56 resorts in Switzerland and Norway without once queuing for lift-passes. The free recording software gets the skier the best rate for the lifts used and days ridden, while the company collects a commission from the resort owner.