‘Intelligent’ insole has been designed

A PRODUCT designed by a Loughborough University sports technology alumnus has been shortlisted for a European award after raising more than £260,000 through crowdfunding.

Dr Andrew Statham’s product, ARION, is one of 26 nominees for the Innovation World Cup Series Innovator of the Year award.

ARION is an ultra-thin, intelligent sensing insole which fits inside running shoes, and, when connected to a small ‘footpod’ attached to the shoe, gives runners real-time feedback on their running technique. This then gives suggestions on how to improve their technique to maximize performance and minimize injury risks.

They had previously smashed their crowdfunding target of £100,000, going on to raise £264,426.

The company rents an office in the Advanced Innovation Technology Centre (ATIC) at the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). It also won the SPIN Accelerator pitch at Loughborough University London in May.

The contest is decided by votes from the public, with voting closing on February 5.

The winner will be announced at the Wearable Technologies Conference in Munich.