The world of indoor climbing has experienced significant growth over the past few years, evolving from a niche sport into a mainstream activity enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Central to this burgeoning trend is the challenge of managing climbers’ safety while providing an engaging and competitive environment. This intersection of technology and climbing has led to innovative solutions, with one notable contender being Lizcore—a Spanish startup dedicated to revolutionizing the indoor climbing experience.
Founded by Edgar Casanovas Lorente and co-founder Marçal Juan, Lizcore emerged from the founders’ shared passion for climbing and technology. Elizabeth decided to leverage advances in wearable technology and smart devices to create a system designed to elevate the indoor climbing experience. Their approach stands out as it uniquely blends safety features with gamification—transforming a straightforward sport into an engaging competition enhanced by performance metrics. The company’s flagship product involves climbers wearing a lightweight NFC bracelet that tracks their climbing performance without encumbering them with mobile devices or heavy equipment.
Recognizing the potential in this fusion of technology and sport, Lizcore successfully completed a pre-seed funding round, securing around €600,000 (approximately $630,000). This windfall arrived from a mix of investors, including Startup Wise Guys, as well as angel investors and state support in the form of grants and interest-free loans. The backing reflects both confidence in the product and the market opportunity for smart solutions in climbing gyms. Lizcore’s ambitions extend beyond mere product deployment; their first installation in a local climbing gym in Catalonia represents a critical milestone as they seek to expand their market presence.
While gamification in sports is not a new concept, Lizcore tackles the pressing issue of climbers’ safety head-on. The startup is developing a comprehensive safety device for autobelays—an increasingly common feature in climbing gyms that allow solo climbers to ascend without a belay partner. Given the perilous nature of climbing, it is crucial that gym operators ensure their patrons’ safety through rigorous credentialing and awareness of how to use this equipment properly.
One of the significant risks with autobelays has been climbers forgetting to clip into the device—sometimes with tragic consequences. Lizcore’s innovation directly addresses this challenge by enabling climbers to store their safety credentials within their NFC bracelet. This means that only climbers with the proper credentials can access the autobelays, significantly reducing misusage risks.
Lizcore’s ambition does not stop at preventing mishaps but extends to actively monitoring climbers’ actions. The introduction of AI technology in their safety protocols offers a game-changing advancement. Cameras installed in conjunction with their hardware will assess whether climbers have properly attached themselves to the autobelay system. Additionally, the software will analyze real-time footage to detect incorrect moves, triggering alarms if a climber ascends without being secured.
However, understanding that achieving 100% accuracy is an unrealistic target, Lizcore plans to implement layered security measures that work in tandem. The concept suggests that climbers’ safety can be maintained through a combination of digital credentialing and diligent monitoring, maximizing the overall safety net in climbing gyms.
With a growing team of nine individuals, Lizcore is focused on refining its product, addressing hardware reliability issues, and expanding its client base. It’s crucial that they continue to iterate on their technology and maintain an open feedback loop with gyms and climbers. Moreover, the startup’s commitment to developing its AI system to enhance performance and safety will require substantial investment in research and development.
The ever-increasing demand for enhanced safety measures in climbing environments will provide Lizcore with ample opportunity to establish itself as a leader in this space. As climbing gyms increasingly recognize the value of integrating technology into their operations, Lizcore’s solutions might become a standard in the industry.
Lizcore’s innovative approach offers a promising glimpse into the future of indoor climbing. By harmoniously blending gamification with robust safety protocols, they not only create a more engaging climbing experience but also enhance vital safety measures that can protect climbers. If successful in their mission, Lizcore could redefine how climbing gyms operate, setting new standards for both enjoyment and safety in the sport. As they continue to grow and adapt to the evolving landscape of indoor climbing, their narrative will reflect the increasing convergence of technology and traditional sports.