SMEs in the Spotlight: Today, I3-INSHAPE sits down with David Röell, Managing Director of Idiolytics, a Dutch company based in the Netherlands. Idiolytics is redefining how biometric data is collected, used, and understood, turning wearables into real-time remote monitoring systems for performance and health. Through their partnership with Onalabs in the I3-INSHAPE project, they’re building a powerful platform that merges next-gen sweat analytics with holistic athlete insights, aiming to launch a long-awaited innovation that serves both sport and wellbeing.

David, can you introduce Idiolytics?

Our purpose is to change the landscape of biometric data collection, utilisation and storage. We aim to empower each person to identify and act upon the variety of factors that influence their individual performance and health, enabling coaches in the same way.

What kind of solutions or services does Idiolytics offer? How do you stand out in the market?

Idiolytics currently offers a real-time solution which is currently further built out in collaboration with NL SOCOM (Special Operations Command) and TNO, a Dutch knowledge institute. We transform wearables into a real-time & remote monitoring system, enabling both live and long-term data collection in extreme environments to gain a quantified view into (previously inaccessible) factors that affect performance.

As to experience with extreme environments, in the video that we share here, you can see where we came together. This made us start our own company two years later.

What are you and your SME partner developing together in the framework of the I3-INSHAPE project? How is your collaboration structured?

Idiolytics, in collaboration with Onalabs, is developing a near-real-time platform for coaches and athletes, integrating Onalabs’ Onasport wearable, which provides unique data on lactate levels, sweat rates, and electrolyte loss. Idiolytics aims to incorporate these innovative measurements into its platform, expanding the range of parameters it can offer alongside data from other commercial wearables. By including Onasport’s specialised metrics, Idiolytics seeks to provide a more comprehensive set of data points for athlete monitoring and analysis.

What tangible impact does the I3-INSHAPE project have on your project idea, from the development to market access?

The main impact the I3-Inshape project had on our project idea was 1) to bring two parties together (Onalabs & Idiolytics), and 2) kickstarting the project once we had figured out the collaboration subject and plan. For the future, we expect to benefit from market research, peer reviews and more.

Why do you think initiatives like I3-INSHAPE and its innovation hubs are essential for the future of sport and vitality in Europe?

This question raises another: What is the vision for and what are the goals of ‘future sport & vitality’ in Europe, and which body has defined them (in this case, the European Commission)? Initiatives like I3-INSHAPE are part of a strategy to achieve these goals. Are these essential? To answer this, one must understand the vision and goals. I don’t, as they have not been shared with me. That said, initiatives like INSHAPE certainly contribute. Their role as a sort of ‘satellite network’ (overlooking companies, initiatives, developments, products, etc., across different countries) and bringing like-minded but complementary companies together in this way (combining their forces) is an accelerator for sports & vitality. Beyond that, I3-INSHAPE acts as a sort of incubator for these collaborations to maximise the chances of successful outcomes.

What are your expectations for the future within the I3-INSHAPE project?

Our goal is to launch a product which we wanted to realise already some 5 years ago, but never got down to it. The I3-INSHAPE project was the springboard we needed. This solution is not only aimed at sports, but also at one’s health and well-being. We aspire to make a positive impact on and in many lives, and this product would help us achieve that. During I3-INSHAPE, we intend to complete all preparations, and a launch is foreseen shortly after the I3-INSHAPE program ends.

What’s one key takeaway you’d like people to remember about INSHAPE?

The answer to this is in the previous answers, in summary:

• Springboard, hence an enabler
• Bringing parties and their strengths together
• Incubating/support

Any dislikes? Yes, also: The process of getting into the I3-INSHAPE project, namely that the European Commission’s complex procedures and systems are inaccessible, the extensive documentation of all (a study on itself), the red tape, somewhat Kafkaesque. So a last key away would be: (mentally) prepare for that. Once the EC hurdle is taken, INSHAPE is a relief!

Learn more about Idiolytics on 🌐 www.idiolytics.com