ActiveLab is a new accelerator from not-for-profit health body ukactive which matches physical activity startups with an array of leading investors, influencers and coaches. These are the first 12 companies to join.

With the UK’s physical inactivity epidemic costing £20bn each year and causing 37,000 deaths, the need to find innovative ways to inspire active lifestyles has never been more pressing. ActiveLab aims to stimulate scalable health solutions that can help to overcome one of society’s biggest challenges.

As part of the initial selection process, ukactive engaged with over 150 potential entrants and received 70 full business plans. The 12 companies to be supported through the accelerator’s first cohort are:

imovesdance – Online tools to get kids active in school and home

Connected Fitness Labs – An app breaking down the four walls of the gym by supporting a health club operator to become a true fitness brand by offering digital support to consumers

EveryMatch International – A white-label mobile Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for building fitness member communities

Gymetrix – The first company in the world to start attaching sensors to gym equipment to measure customers usage of the equipment and then use the data to optimise operators equipment purchasing

Shapelog – Described as ‘Fitbit for strength training’

Amaven – An online platform to help measure, track and improve the physical development of everyone through fundamental movement skills and sports skills.

iPrescribe Exercise – An app that uses an algorithm to provide the user with an automated, yet individualised activity programme that will gradually build them up to their optimal but safe level of activity

LiveSmart – UK wide, dynamic, evidence based health assessment and improvement programmes

Stepjockey – Smart signs and gamification platform to enable employers to quickly make their buildings healthier and more active

VRGO Chair – An active chair that can be used for movement within virtual reality

Open Play – Online booking system and marketplace for sports facilities and activities

Silverfit – Weekly Fun And Fitness sessions for older people

ActiveLab aims to identify, nurture and accelerate the growth of truly innovative products and services that will shape the future of the health and physical activity sector. The 12-week programme will accelerate startups and put them on the path towards revolutionising health and fitness, following in the vein of global success stories such as Fitbit and MYZONE.

ActiveLab brings together a stellar cast of innovators and business leaders, such as investor and former David Lloyd Leisure CEO Scott Lloyd, fitness magnate and serial entrepreneur David Giampaolo, as well as Pacific Direct founder Lara Morgan.

Steven Ward, Executive Director of ukactive, said: “We want ActiveLab to become the global launchpad for innovative and scalable physical activity businesses, so I’m hugely excited by the dynamic group of companies that have made it through to the first cohort. The hard work starts here and over the next 12 weeks the cohort will work with our unparalleled panel of private investors, expert mentors and coaches to develop their concepts ahead of the grand final on 15 March.”

Matt Merrick, ActiveLab judge and former Virgin Active European COO and UK Managing Director, said: “The health and fitness market is on the brink of a digital and customer experience revolution, with projects like ActiveLab having a crucial role to play in profiling and facilitating growth’ innovative concepts. The rise of an emerging startup community – dedicated to changing the way we move – will create unique and engaging activity experiences which will help to grow the wider market and enable us to lead healthier lives.”

ActiveLab will culminate in a high-octane event on 15 March, 2017, which will bring together leading speakers, partners, and influencers from the physical activity and technology spheres. Teams will showcase at the event and take part in a series of live pitches, with the winner receiving the top prize of a premium accelerator toolkit worth £25,000 – comprising a suite of products and expertise to fast-track their concept.