“We had extremely good submissions this year: The decision ultimately came down to small details in the design, function or presentation. Along with a cohesive overall concept, the marketability of the product is always a determining factor,” explains David Badalec, responsible for ISPO Brandnew. The jury selected one Overall Winner as well as one Winner in each of the categories Accessories, Apparel, Fitness, Hardware Summer, Hardware Winter and Wearables.
The process is somewhat different with ISPO Brandnew Digital for start-ups in the field of digital services for the sports industry – from digital solutions for connecting fans and teams, platforms for player analysis and training optimization through to technologies that allow sport to be experienced in a whole new way. The young companies from this sports tech environment will be at ISPO Munich in the new ISPO Digitize Area. The best concept will be recognized by a jury of top-class digital experts in a live pitch.
Here is an overview of the ISPO Brandnew winners who have already been determined:
ORIGINAL+, Austria, 2016, www.original.plus
ORIGINAL+ is a concept for the mass custom manufacturing of alpine skis. A specially developed software works with artificial intelligence to interpret the biometric data of the athlete. Personal information provided about their skiing style and preferred area of use is then combined with these parameters and all of the collected information is translated into a tailor-made set of skis. “The award was given for mass custom manufacturing, which—when implemented at competitive prices—would be a major step for the industry,” emphasizes Thorsten Schwabe from INDIGO, a longtime member of the ISPO Brandnew jury. The award validates the innovative content offered by ORIGINAL+, which also won over the independent ISPO Award jury in 2018.
Bluebird Mountain, Germany, 2017, www.bluebirdmountain.de
The PowderBee drone from Bluebird Mountain shortens searches for avalanche victims by crucial seconds. Light (600g) and compact, it fits in any backpack and assists in emergency situations by searching for avalanche victims from the air. While the drone scans the avalanche surface, the search party can coordinate the next steps in the snow. If PowderBee detects a signal, it transmits a visual and acoustic notification and the rescue can begin without delay.
Hero Water Wear, Australia, 2018, www.herowaterwear.com
Hero Water Wear combines a functional shirt suitable for water sports with a lifesaving function. In an emergency, the integrated carbon dioxide cartridge is activated via a ripcord, which then inflates air chambers in the shirt’s chest and shoulder areas. It buoys the wearer and can thus save lives. There are also other convincing features: The integrated SPF 50 protects against sunburn. A blend of 80 percent polyester and 20 percent Lycra with flat seams and a double lining ensures a comfortable fit.
YoRoller, Austria, 2017, www.tiroller.com
YoRoller is a portable fitness station for equipment-supported strength training indoors and outdoors with an adapter that enables it to be easily mounted to poles, handrails or trees. Based on the flywheel energy concept, the YoRoller works like a horizontal yo-yo that responds to the movement of the user and converts the rotational energy accordingly. The effects of training result purely from the athlete’s energy that is used and converted – additional weight is not needed.
INOBO, France, 2017, www.inobo-kiteboarding.com
The modular kiteboard INOBO impressed the jury with a novel combination of a carbon exoskeleton and an additional deck pad. The exoskeleton ensures that the high-performance board remains stable. The expanded deck module can be exchanged at the surfing spot based on skill level—from beginner to professional—as well as the surfer's preferences and prevailing conditions. The decks are available in different designs, colors and sizes.
SPLIT SKI, Poland, 2018, Website coming soon
The SPLIT SKI is a real space saver. A technically simple yet highly functional connector linking the two elements makes the skis foldable and thus the perfect travel companion by plane, train or bike. On the slopes, the skis can be easily transported in a backpack for combined ski and alpine tours, then unfolded for full usability. The jury was particularly impressed with the new technical connector attachment and the high quality of workmanship.
diPulse, Sweden, 2017, www.dipulse.com
diPulse integrates electrostimulation (EMS) in functional clothing to promote muscle training. Convenient, carbon-based control elements are attached to the clothing without wires or electrodes. They enable targeted stimulation of particular muscle areas in every training stage. In addition, an integrated virtual trainer can access the data in real time and give the athlete active feedback.
More information about ISPO Brandnew is available online at
https://www.ispo.com/awards/ispo-brandnew
