SpArk LAB in brief
The SpArk LAB is a pioneering program designed to test innovative solutions at the very heart of sporting events. It acts as an open-air laboratory, enabling innovators to deploy their ideas in real-life conditions and obtain rapid feedback.
The aim? Transform the experience of participants, organizers and spectators by integrating technologies that optimize performance, safety and engagement.
SpArk LAB is also positioned as a catalyst for collaboration between sport and innovation. It puts the spotlight on promising projects, helps them find their way to market, and reinforces the image of the Valais as a hub of innovation in the field of sport.
Opportunity with the Sierre-Zinal race
For its first edition, SpArk LAB has joined forces with the legendary Sierre-Zinal race.
In collaboration with the event organizers, SpArk LAB identified several key challenges, both for the participants (personalized nutrition and hydration, innovative equipment, health and safety, personalized training for increased performance) and for the logistics of the event (innovative event concepts, intelligent logistics and safety, sustainability, optimized management of refreshment points, promotion and enhancement of the event, etc.).
A call for solutions has been launched, inviting start-ups, companies, research institutes, associations and industrial groups from Switzerland and abroad to submit their innovative concepts.
Winning project: a solution for live tracking of runners in real time
Among the applications received, the live tracking solution, developed by Guidos Outdoor Sàrl and Insiders.Live SA, was selected for a test under real conditions during the Sierre-Zinal race. This live geolocation technology allows spectators to follow the progress of participants, increases safety for organizers, and allows athletes to analyze their performance.
Tests in real conditions
The live tracking solution was tested during the Sierre-Zinal race, involving around fifteen amateur and elite runners, as well as during the volunteer race. These tests evaluated the efficiency of communication between the sensors and their interface, the choice of supports for the sensors and the ergonomics of the system, while gathering valuable feedback from participants and organizers.
Each runner was equipped with an ultra-light (43g) “INTENSE” sensor, with 4G connectivity, renowned for its precision. Thanks to a dedicated web page, the organizers were able to follow the progress of the athletes in real time, evaluate the network coverage and monitor the quality of data transmission. These tests allowed Insiders Live and Guidos Outdoor Sàrl to gather valuable feedback on: the ergonomics and positioning of the sensors, the display of data and the addition of a feature to predict arrival times and speeds in real time.
Thanks to their participation in SpArk LAB, Insiders.Live and Guidos Outdoor Sàrl are already working on improvements for their future deployments.
Review and outlook
The tests revealed the technology’s significant potential, both for enhancing the security of sporting events and for enriching the spectator experience. SpArk LAB fostered productive synergies and solid collaboration between the two start-ups, demonstrating the value of combining innovation and sport. In short, this 2024 edition of SpArk LAB highlights the importance of partnerships with sporting events to promote technological innovation.
The program will be repeated in 2025 around a new event and a new theme.
Stay tuned to find out what’s next!
image ©Josiane Boulnoix_SZ07.08.2021
