The 2018 ISPO Global Innovation Award (ISPO Brandnew) was the 30th edition of the competition. Year after year, the event has continued to uncover the most innovative technologies and designs. After rigorous screening and unanimous approval by the judging panel, this year’s winning brands showcased their outstanding products, offering the industry new directions for growth. As one of the most closely watched high-standard evaluations for emerging brands in the sports field, this year’s top 50 products included traditionally designed items such as ski lifts and bicycle tires featuring innovative designs. The overall annual champion was a customizable wooden bicycle: an exemplary model of digital transformation in the sports industry.
Representing China in the top 50 were goTele (www.gotele.net), an outdoor positioning and communication technology product from Beijing, and Lumos (www.lumoshelmet.co), a smart bicycle helmet from Hong Kong.
The judging panel for the ISPO Global Innovation Award is composed of representatives from past winning companies, who have deep expertise in innovation and development within the sports industry and have now become leading figures in the field. This year’s competition saw over 400 products from around the world competing, with 50 outstanding products ultimately selected as winners. These 50 winning brands will also be showcased at the ISPO Global Innovation Award exhibition area during ISPO Munich. It is worth noting that all participating brands must have been established for no more than four years. Let’s take a look at this year’s overall champion and the seven category champions.
— Overall Champion
My Esel (www.my-esel.com)
Austria, founded in 2014
My Esel introduced the concept of customized wooden bicycles, with all products made from Austrian wood. The judges were amazed by the innovative
customization platform it developed—an exemplary model of digital transformation in the sports industry: it can calculate a customer’s body proportions, ideal seat position, and frame geometry based on their height, shoe size, and calf length, all available in real time on the online platform. Colors, materials, accessories, and frame shapes can also be freely chosen.
— Category Champions
Summer Sports Equipment – FIFTYTEN (www.fiftyten.de)
Germany, founded in 2016
Fiftyten is a universal truck bed box with a roof tent, suitable for all double-cab pickup trucks. The box features a basic platform that provides storage and living space in the truck bed area, while the spacious and comfortable roof tent offers a place to rest. Fiftyten is an elegant, practical, and structurally sophisticated product, perfect for campers and RV travelers.
Winter Sports Equipment – Boardie (www.boardie.se)
Sweden, founded in 2015
Boardie is a new type of ski lift that offers winter sports enthusiasts a more comfortable riding experience. With a wider, more ergonomic, and durable frame, it provides a more pleasant ride for everyone. It can easily replace existing ski lifts at a low cost. Additionally, Boardie features a large advertising area on the lift frame, offered free of charge for ski resorts to use. The ski lift has seen little change over decades, making the innovation brought by Boardie especially commendable to the judges.
Accessories – Tubolito (www.tubolito.com)
Austria, founded in 2016
Since the invention of the bicycle, it has continuously evolved, but one thing has remained largely unchanged: the bicycle tire. Tubolito introduced a new concept with its redesigned bicycle tire, which earned the favor of the judges.
The Tubolito tire is made from new materials, weighing 65% less than traditional tires, with twice the lifespan. It is compressible for easy transport, reusable, and suitable for both mountain and road bikes.
Apparel – TEMPLA
Belgium, founded in 2017
TEMPLA’s outdoor functional clothing combines modern aesthetics with technological innovation, making it highly suitable for outdoor adventurers who appreciate stylish gear. Each piece of fabric in their products pushes the boundaries of traditional garment production, with particular attention to design details and a minimalist, fashionable feel.
Fitness Products – BIOROWER (www.biorower.com)
Austria, founded in 2014
The BIOROWER rowing machine is a redevelopment of the traditional rowing boat, bringing the natural, comfortable rowing experience and fitness benefits into the home. Two independent oars connected to a high-precision motor create the same smooth resistance as rowing in water. Force and angle sensors transmit data to a tablet.
Wearable Technology – Microsfere
USA, founded in 2015
The Athlete’s Mask is an anti-pollution face mask designed for use in high-pollution areas. Its intelligent airflow system ensures natural and effortless breathing, even during prolonged physical activity, while maintaining excellent ventilation. It can also connect to mobile devices to record detailed performance metrics during exercise—data that previously could only be obtained in a lab setting.
Social Responsibility Category — The Social Mercenary (www.thesocialmercenary.com)
United Kingdom, established in 2017
Traditional Ghanaian clothing and accessories are all highly modern, made by Ghanaian artisans using the “royal fabric” Kente. Their backpacks and hats are equipped with YKK zippers, and feature pockets for laptops or mobile phones, crafted from ultra-strong yarn and traditional wax-printed cotton.
ISPO Global Innovation Award Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
As the most highly regarded selection criteria among emerging sports brands, the ISPO Global Innovation Award showcases the creative power of the sports industry. Established in 2000, the ISPO Global Innovation Award reached its 30th edition in 2018. The first competition received entries from 67 brands, with the windsurfing brand Naish Kites taking the top prize. Well-known brands today such as GoPro, Maloja, ON, POC, and Nixon Watches were also past winners of the ISPO Global Innovation Award. We are delighted to see how many winning brands have grown into leaders in the sports world, which fully demonstrates our successful role in supporting business growth. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ISPO Global Innovation Award, we have specially created the “Innovation Hall of Fame” at the world’s largest sports trade fair — ISPO Munich 2018 — where visitors can explore the past and present of past award-winning brands.