Lizcore, a pioneering sports tracking startup based in Barcelona, made a significant impression at the 4YFN event during MWC this week with its innovative approach to enhancing the indoor climbing experience. The startup has successfully introduced a digital solution that appeals to bouldering enthusiasts, a feat that was previously thought to be challenging. By integrating a custom combination of hardware and software, bouldering gyms can now offer climbers an effortless method to log and monitor their performance indoors. This includes tracking on-sights, red points, and the speed of problem-solving, enriched with a layer of social gamification, like comparing achievements with friends, all facilitated by a simple fabric bracelet or a clothes pin.
Marçal Juan, the CTO of Lizcore, highlighted the transition of sports from analog to digital, noting climbing’s previous exemption due to the impracticality of expecting climbers to use an app during their activity. The solution, therefore, hinged on the development of specialized hardware that has paved the way for Lizcore’s success.
The Lizcore system simplifies progress tracking for climbers, eliminating the need for cumbersome devices like smartphones or smartwatches, which can hinder the climbing experience. Climbers only need to wear a lightweight NFC-enabled Lizy bracelet, available in various colors, to interact with the app. The team is also developing a less obtrusive NFC clothes pin as an alternative, demonstrating their commitment to creating climber-friendly technology.
For gyms to adopt Lizcore’s system, they need to install smart base units and top-out holds for each boulder problem, with one base unit serving up to three routes. Climbers register their attempt at the base unit using the NFC wearable, and the app records the outcome of their climb. This system focuses on minimal-effort activity and progress tracking, allowing climbers to concentrate on their training and climbing goals. Edgar Casanovas, an ex-pro climber and the founder and CEO of Lizcore, inspired the business idea.
The wall-mounted base units also display grading information for each route, enhancing the climbing experience despite occasional technical difficulties, such as those experienced during the conference due to Wi-Fi issues. Climbers can interact with the units to agree or disagree with the route grades and request the maintenance of certain routes.
Beyond tracking, Lizcore’s NFC technology could potentially streamline gym operations like ticketing and access to fitness classes, enhance security, and even facilitate payments at gym cafés or bars, allowing climbers to leave their wallets at home.
Juan envisions limitless possibilities with Lizcore’s technology, emphasizing the convenience it offers to gyms in optimizing usage and expanding services, from customer relationship management to subscriptions.
The system not only benefits climbers by providing detailed analytics and insights into climbing activities but also aids gyms in managing and optimizing their offerings based on real-time data. Lizcore’s technology enables gyms to organize competitions, improve member engagement with targeted notifications, and offer personalized climbing experiences, addressing the varying needs of climbers based on their physical attributes.
Since its inception in November 2022, Lizcore has collaborated with around five gyms in Spain on early deployments and is now seeking seed funding to scale up production, focusing on expansion within Spain and Europe. Discussions are also underway with climbing competition organizations to incorporate Lizcore’s system.
Additionally, Lizcore is developing safety technologies for climbing gyms, including smart autobelay systems that enhance safety by ensuring climbers have the necessary credentials before use.
