Sqord (pronounced: “Scored”) is an activity tracker and fitness platform for kids. Sqord pods combine Fitbit’s API with a three-axis accelerometer that captures intensity and duration of activity. Movement and play are converted into points, which can be spent on avatar accessories and awards through the Sqord App.
“This isn’t just a gadget that’s trying to find its way onto a retail shelf,” Sqord founder Coleman Greene said. “We really want to make sure that we’re looking at this in terms of impact. We have a data scientist on our team that’s looking at how kids are using the product, what’s influencing their activity in a meaningful way, and how we build on the current momentum that’s going to create real change in forming their healthy habits.
“We’ve shipped over 100,000 devices to date, and we have about 85,000 registered users.”
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According to the company, kids who are engaged with friends on Sqord stay active 50 percent longer than kids who play individually while kids who are on a Sqord family team stay active 42 percent longer than kids who are not on a family team.
In November, Sqord partnered with Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise and Premera Blue Cross to launch the “Come Play with C.J.” Challenge.
Children in Washington state had the chance to beat Prosise’s Sqord point total and were entered for the chance to win Seahawks apparel, four tickets to Seattle’s Dec. 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams, and a meet-and-greet with Prosise.
“We’re in the process of finalizing our next round of athlete partnerships,” Greene said. “It would be a different overall challenge that the kids could participate in, but we’re looking to build on that because it went really well.”
Sqord is in conversation with athletes represented by Jay Z’s Roc Nation.
Looking ahead, the company hopes to develop additional social features, expand its marketplace, and create some stand-alone game experiences.
“The competitive aspect is the biggest thing that’s gotten kids excited,” Greene said. “Scoring points, seeing how much they’ve gotten was one of the early hooks. We see ourselves as a platform that’s trying create lifelong healthy habits through fun, social experiences.”