Johan, an Amsterdam start-up accelerated by the European Space Agency (ESA), is developing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that will try to enhance the training and performance process for the entirety of sports teams. Robin van Kappel and Jelle Reichert founded this company in 2013, with the thought of taking the latest satellite technology from Europe and applying it to field sports.
Being a big hit, the start-up won the ESA satellite navigation competition and was accepted into the ESA Business Incubation Center.
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“We have backgrounds in aerospace engineering and the idea was to apply new technologies that make it cheaper to apply but yield higher-quality data,” explained co-founder Robin van Kappel.
Johan offers an affordable and functional tracking system for field sports in the global market. Every user will wear a small, light and strong device that will be able to detect location, speed, distance, and acceleration. This is all possible, because of the innovative satellite technology from ESA to ensure reliability and accuracy.
The tracking device is worn in a comfortable and fitting vest that has been designed to offer maximum comfort. Furthermore, the online app will allow users to see their measured data that can be seen for players, coaches, and trainers.
Dutch Rugby Sevens @DutchRugby7s team measured by @sportsjohan at the @WorldRugby7s pic.twitter.com/qiw2BIdRP0
— JOHAN (@sportsjohan) May 22, 2015
“The hardware is getting easier and easier to make and our technology can gather high-quality data,” said van Kappel
The result is real-time examination of how players are training and performing and how they are recovering from their injuries. Being able to help players recover from injuries, and even prevent injuries is one of the focuses that were made when making this device.
The technology is being developed in The Netherlands, but later this summer it is possible that they will bring the technology to Australia, the US and the UK. Johan, completed a crowd funding campaign in which it raised €150,000 in just three days. Thus, allowing the company to hire two extra employees to finish up the prototype.
Completed our crowdfunding in 4 days, including overfunding! Wow, thanks everyone! #success #happy pic.twitter.com/fjKcayaFUs
— JOHAN (@sportsjohan) March 13, 2016
Johan’s success with the ESA puts the company on a strong path. However, it will be interesting to see how the Amsterdam start-up will find its market share among an increasingly competitive player tracking space lead by Catapult Sports, STATsports, GPSports and others.