Dr. Marios Kyriakou, Darefore – ‘The intersection of technology and sports is where innovation can make the most tangible impact on human performance’
This is the second interview of our interview series – The Latest and Greatest – A Glimpse Inside Health and Sport Tech. This time, we have the privilege of speaking with the CEO and co-founder of Mirror 3D Lab Ltd, Dr. Marios Kyriakou, the innovative mind behind Darefore – a cutting-edge solution that’s revolutionizing the world of competitive cycling and triathlon by optimizing body position in real-time to enhance performance.
“The intersection of technology and sports is where innovation can make the most tangible impact on human performance. Our goal with Darefore is to empower athletes to train smarter, not harder, by providing them with the real-time data they need to reach their full potential.” , states Dr Kyriakou.
A key part of this innovative approach is the use of the Movesense sensor, a wearable sensor known for its unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and versatility. These qualities are essential in capturing the intricate biomechanical data that Darefore relies on to offer cyclists deep insights into their form and technique.
Could you please introduce yourself to the audience? What made you get into health and sports technology?
I am the CEO and co-founder of Mirror 3D Lab Ltd, a Cyprus-based company that has designed and developed Darefore. I have extensive experience leading complex projects at a national and EU level, including the successful development of the innovative cycling training platform Darefore.
My technical expertise coupled with my project management skills make me a valuable asset in driving product development and achieving project goals. My personal journey into cycling and triathlon sparked the idea for a solution that leverages technology to address neglected a crucial factor in cycling monitoring and correcting the cycling body position in real-time.
Can you explain what Darefore is and share the inspiration behind its creation?
Darefore is now revolutionizing cycling performance. Our proprietary biometrics system combining wearable technology and smart data-driven methodologies provides real-time feedback on the athletes’ body position, helping them reduce drag, increase speed, and unlock their full potential.
By combining this data with advanced analytics, we empower cyclists to train smarter, not harder, and achieve their ultimate goals.
We are also planning to expand Darefore in more sports focused primarily on performance enhancement and injury prevention.
Could you describe your target users and what problem are you solving?
Our technology is tailored for competitive cycling and triathlon sports. We’re addressing the critical issue of suboptimal cycling posture, which can lead to inefficient energy use, decreased speed, and increased injury risk.
By providing real-time feedback on posture, our sensor helps athletes correct their form, ultimately leading to improved performance, better results in competitions, and longer, injury-free careers.
“Darefore selected Movesense sensor for their unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and versatility in capturing intricate biomechanical data.”
How would you describe the key benefits of your product?
Darefore offers a cutting-edge, wearable, position sensor, built on Movesense technology, that tracks and corrects a cyclist’s posture in real-time. By attaching the sensor to the rider’s back, it collects precise data on body positioning, providing actionable insights through our user-friendly app.
The benefits are immediate:
- improved aerodynamics
- reduced risk of injury
- optimized power output
Athletes gain the edge they need to shave seconds off their time, maintain consistency in long rides, and enhance their overall performance.
The Movesense sensor is mounted on the cyclist’s back, where it monitors their posture in real-time, capturing data on angles, movements, and positioning.
What motivated you to enter the health and sport tech industry? What excites you most about this field?
The intersection of technology and sports is where innovation can make the most tangible impact on human performance. What excites me about health and sport tech is its potential to transform athletes’ abilities by turning complex data into simple, actionable insights.
I entered this sector because I’ve always been passionate about cycling and saw first-hand how small changes in posture and technique could make a significant difference. The idea of developing a tool that could help athletes unlock their full potential was something I couldn’t resist.
Movesense sensor is part of your solution. What made you choose the Movesense sensor?
Darefore selected Movesense sensor for their unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and versatility in capturing intricate biomechanical data. This precision is paramount for our advanced performance analytics, enabling cyclists to gain deep insights into their form and identify areas for improvement.
Movesense sensors seamlessly integrate with our platform, allowing for real-time feedback and comprehensive data analysis. Additionally, its compact design and robust API made it the perfect fit for our application, allowing us to focus on delivering the best possible user experience while relying on a proven and reliable sensor.
Can you describe, how you are using the Movesense sensor?
The Movesense sensor is the backbone of our position tracking system. It’s mounted on the cyclist’s back, where it monitors their posture in real-time, capturing data on angles, movements, and positioning.
This data is then transmitted to our app, where athletes receive immediate feedback, enabling them to make adjustments on the fly. The sensor’s precision allows us to offer personalized insights that help cyclists optimize their performance every time they ride.
Darefore smart position sensor and mobile app provide real-time feedback on body position, helping to reduce drag, increase speed, and unlock full potential.
Can you give an example of a club or a team improving their performance through technology that you find particularly interesting and why?
One example that stands out is Team INEOS’s use of advanced aerodynamics technology in professional cycling. By meticulously analyzing and optimizing every aspect of their riders’ positioning, they have consistently improved performance, leading to multiple Tour de France victories.
This approach resonates with Darefore’s mission, as it underscores the importance of posture and position in achieving peak performance. It’s a clear demonstration of how technology can turn marginal gains into significant competitive advantages.
What do you believe is the biggest opportunity in health and sport tech right now?
The biggest opportunity in health and sport tech lies in personalized, data-driven insights that can be applied in real-time. As wearable technology and AI continue to evolve, the potential to deliver highly tailored recommendations and interventions becomes increasingly viable.
Athletes can benefit from solutions that not only track performance but also predict and prevent issues, creating a holistic approach to training and competition that maximizes results while minimizing risks.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a career in sport tech, or those wanting to launch a startup in the space?
For those pursuing a career in health or sport tech, a strong foundation in science and technology is essential, coupled with practical experience gained through internships or volunteer work.
Building a robust network within the industry is crucial to staying informed about emerging trends. Continuous learning is vital as the field rapidly evolves.
Those aspiring to launch a startup in this space should focus on identifying a specific problem to solve, assembling a skilled team, and validating their idea through market research.
Securing funding and developing resilience are paramount to overcoming the challenges inherent in the startup journey. Ultimately, passion for the intersection of health and technology is the driving force behind success in this field.
Visit Darefore website.
This interview is part of Movesense – The Latest and Greatest – A Glimpse Inside Health and Sport Tech series, that offers readers an unparalleled look into the cutting-edge innovations transforming health and sports technology. Each interview delves into the minds of industry leaders and pioneers who are at the forefront of developing technologies that improve health outcomes, enhance athletic performance, and revolutionize fitness and wellness. By exploring a diverse range of topics from wearable tech, this series provides readers with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and a forward-thinking perspective on how these advancements can impact their personal and professional lives.
You can read all of the interviews under category Customers or follow the direct link(s) below.
