Spot a player’s performance drop in real-time, monitor an athlete’s behaviour or detect movements in sports settings: That’s the power behind ViNotion’s Vision AI technology. In this SMEs in the Spotlight new interview, Christopher Geelen, Operations Manager at ViNotion, shares how the Dutch company is teaming up with Spanish partner Green Urban Data through the I3-INSHAPE project to bring AI-powered situational awareness to sports and vitality, scaling innovations that help Europe get moving.

Christopher, introduce us to ViNotion in a few words.

ViNotion delivers advanced Vision AI for real-time image analysis in defence, mobility, and industry. Our flagship solution, ViSense®, integrates seamlessly into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) products, providing precise object detection and behaviour analysis using deep learning algorithms. This empowers smarter, data-driven decision-making in applications like autonomous systems and industrial monitoring. With 18 years of expertise, we help organisations enhance situational awareness and optimise operations efficiently. 

What kind of solutions do your company offer? How do you stand out in the market?

ViNotion offers ViSense®, an advanced Vision AI solution that enables real-time image analysis for OEM products in defence, mobility, and industry. Our edge-based AI technology enhances situational awareness and optimises decision-making by providing precise object detection and behavior analysis. What sets us apart is our seamless integration of AI into existing systems, offering scalable and customizable solutions that ensure privacy while supporting both civil and military applications. We provide data-driven insights that improve efficiency and operational performance. 

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

In the framework of the I3-INSHAPE project, ViNotion is collaborating with Green Urban Data, a Spanish company that delivers digital GIS tools to provide key indicators on green infrastructure management, among others. Together, we want to develop GreenMotion AI. We are focusing on integrating our ViSense® technology into sports and vitality applications to improve situational awareness, optimise decision-making, and enhance user engagement in physical activities. This collaboration is structured around the shared goal of addressing the challenges of inactive lifestyles, while leveraging data-driven innovations to scale up and commercialise our solutions. 

Our role involves providing advanced Vision AI capabilities to monitor behaviour and movements in sports settings, enabling real-time insights that help improve performance and health outcomes. The partnership with Green Urban Data brings our data closer to the end user, enabling easy access and interpretability to drive sustainable and impactful changes in the sports sector. By fostering this interregional collaboration and knowledge sharing, we ensure that the solutions we develop can be scaled and implemented across Europe. 

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

The I3-INSHAPE project has a significant impact on our project by providing crucial support for both the development and market access of our Vision AI solutions in the sports and vitality sector. Through the project, we gain access to interregional collaboration and market validation that accelerate the scaling of our ViSense® technology. This allows us to refine and adapt our solutions to better meet the specific needs of sports facilities and wellness applications. 

The project also offers valuable networking opportunities, connecting us with key stakeholders and partners across Europe, which helps us expand our market reach. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and innovation within sports facilities aligns with our goals of delivering smarter, data-driven insights that can improve health outcomes and performance. By participating in I3-INSHAPE, we can bring our technology to a wider audience, contributing to the overall transformation of the sports sector. 

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

Initiatives like I3-INSHAPE and its innovation hubs are crucial for the future of sport and vitality in Europe because they foster cross-border collaboration and accelerate the development of data-driven, sustainable solutions. By bringing together SMEs, experts, and stakeholders from different regions, these initiatives provide the resources, expertise, and funding needed to address the growing challenges of inactive lifestyles and chronic diseases.

Innovation hubs create platforms for sharing best practices, developing new technologies, and scaling impactful solutions. This collaborative environment is key to driving long-term change in the sports and vitality sector, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation in promoting healthier and more active communities. 

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

Our expectations for the future within the I3-INSHAPE project are to expand the reach of our ViSense® technology across the sports and vitality sectors in Europe. We hope to leverage the project’s collaborative network to refine our AI solutions and tailor them to the specific needs of sports facilities, enhancing both performance and user engagement. 

We also look forward to building strong partnerships with other innovators, which will help us scale our solutions and drive market adoption. Ultimately, we expect the project to create new opportunities for growth, enabling us to bring our technology to a wider audience and contribute to improving public health and wellness across Europe. 

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

One key takeaway from INSHAPE is that it represents a powerful collaborative effort to drive innovation and sustainability in the sports and vitality sectors across Europe. By bringing together SMEs, experts, and regional innovation hubs, INSHAPE is paving the way for data-driven solutions that promote healthier lifestyles and tackle the growing challenges of inactivity. It’s a unique opportunity to scale impactful technologies and create lasting positive change in communities throughout Europe.

To know more, visit the website at 🌐 www.vinotion.nl