Insights gained during human testing help improve product design, marketing efforts, and ultimately consumer performance. In fact, these insights are so important that athletic companies spend 5-10% of their annual revenue on research and development (R&D). By adding objective human subject research into product development and by keeping consumers informed, R.I.S.E. can help sports equipment manufacturers increase product sales, improve performance, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Simply put, in order to stay competitive, manufacturers of sporting equipment and apparel need to win their share of consumers’ hearts – and wallets – by offering cutting-edge technology and establishing their brand name and image.

In this competitive marketplace, it is imperative that companies find a way for their brand to stand out. The best way to accomplish this is to continue to invest in R&D to advance product features and functionality, which enhance an athlete’s abilities and minimize their risk of injury. As a secondary benefit, thorough R&D can lower the risk of litigation involving false advertising and consumer injury resulting from product use. R&D is clearly critical and we estimate that companies put 10% of their annual revenue towards product R&D.

Brands must go beyond traditional R&D procedures to scientifically analyze the effects of equipment on human subjects, but they lack the testing equipment and expertise to do so. Building these resources from the ground up is time and capital-intensive, effectively blocking the ability to innovate. As a result, outsourcing this research to an independent specialist is cost effective, and provides a secondary benefit of increased trustworthiness in the eyes of  the consumer. The existing option of working with academia to perform R&D is problematic because the field is slow moving, plagued by red tape and risks leaking the trade secrets as academic institutions often seek publication of the scientific findings.

It’s time for a better solution. It’s time for R.I.S.E..

R.I.S.E. is an independent institution that analyzes the effects of equipment and apparel on human biomechanics (the study of the physiology and physics of movement) and comfort. We strive to increase sales and improve athletic performance for sports equipment manufacturers by incorporating objective human subject research into product development and marketing.

Our testing of sports equipment and performance focuses on how products affect biomechanics and comfort. Our state-of-the-art facilities and lab equipment are designed to answer a wide variety of biomechanical questions, such as how a different running shoe affects comfort or leg mechanics, or how much metabolic energy it takes to hike up a mountain with specific hiking poles. The output of these studies provide companies with the ammunition to outgun their competitors in the war of innovation. Our team has the certification and extensive experience required to perform human testing, which is critical in understanding how equipment impacts human physiology. With our in-house expertise in engineering and biomechanics, as well as our established network of world-renowned academic research partners, R.I.S.E. is uniquely positioned to address almost any human biomechanics testing need.

Our team also includes business and marketing professionals that help translate scientific findings into actionable business insights. We go a step further by showing businesses how to present these data to their customers. R.I.S.E. is modernizing the way businesses design and market products, while saving time and money by bypassing academic partnerships and in-house research.

The testing process with R.I.S.E. is simple. If a business has an existing product-related question, we begin the experimental design process, ensuring all objectives of the client are addressed. If a business lacks a specific hypothesis but has a general desire for enhancing their R&D and/or engaging their customers, we will work with them to define a product-related question and scope out a project to fit their needs. Before we begin testing, our first priority is obtaining clarity on what the client is seeking to discover. This ensures we not only accomplish the client’s goals, but also mitigates the risk of researcher bias (seeking a favorable outcome). After agreeing to the proposed scope and timing, the client then provides us with the product(s) they need to test and we begin subject recruitment and testing.

Using our gait lab, inertial measurement units, computer and 3D modeling, force plates, and muscle activation sensors, we analyze the real effects of equipment on human movement, comfort, and performance.

Here’s a closer look at some of the services we offer at R.I.S.E.:

Product Development Insight – Testing equipment and apparel on athletes allows companies to better understand product performance and leads to valuable insights.

Example Methodology: Gait Analysis – We have relationships with leading experts and state-of-the-art facilities to thoroughly and accurately analyze movement,  and provide feedback to equipment manufacturers and end consumers.

Sports Performance Analysis – With expertise in gait biomechanics, neurophysiology, and sport biomechanics, we help manufacturers understand how products impact performance.

Example Methodology: Metabolic Testing – VO2 max testing is well known for athletes looking to get insight into their performance, and it is equally useful for testing how equipment impacts energy consumption.

Marketing Consulting and Creative Services – We provide marketing strategies and creative assets for companies to clearly communicate research findings to engage consumers.

Example Methodology: Provide a marketing package with content strategy recommendations and creative assets for various print and digital channels.

We established R.I.S.E. in May 2016. We signed our first contract in June 2016 and completed our first project for Prime Fitness USA, a medium-sized fitness equipment manufacturer, in September 2016. All of this was accomplished while pursuing our doctorate degrees full-time. After a four month project hiatus to make progress on our PhDs and build out the business concept, we are ramping up efforts and dedicating more resources to signing clients and building our lab, and are in discussions with three other potential clients for future studies, but that’s not all.

Our First Projects – We completed a survey of 250+ athletes nationwide asking about their perception of science in sports equipment marketing, providing us with the consumer behavior insights needed to sell prospective clients on our services. We also completed a study for Prime Fitness USA, a designer and manufacturer of weightlifting machines who recently introduced an innovative line of strength training equipment. We provided Prime Fitness with an experimental protocol, human subject research, objective data with statistical analyses, a detailed research report and presentation, and creative content for a section of their new website dedicated to the study outcomes.

Contacts for Future Projects – We’re now scoping a project with a representative of Rock Tape, and we’re identifying opportunities for collaboration with Click Medical and professors at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of North Carolina. We are also attending at least two sports science and outdoor retail conferences in 2017 to expand our network and promote brand awareness.

An Ongoing Relationship – Prime Fitness USA is incorporating our study results and marketing recommendations into sales pitches, and digital and print marketing materials. In a post-project survey of key decision makers, all client respondents stated they found the R.I.S.E. project to be of “exceptional value” and that it is somewhat or highly likely that they will do another project in the next year. We’re now identifying future projects with Prime Fitness USA.

In just our first few months of part-time work, R.I.S.E. has already had a great deal of success. Imagine what we can do going forward with full-time focus and resources.

Request access to the business plan tab of this profile to see where R.I.S.E. is going and how you can help us get there.   

In the role of CEO, Jana acquires new clients and projects, presents at conferences, manages team dynamics, talent and company direction, and networks with professionals to grow our team of collaborators. She is finishing a Ph.D. in Biomechanics under world-renowned researcher Dr. Alena Grabowski at the University of Colorado - Boulder, host of an elite biomechanics lab. Prior to her Ph.D. work, Jana held a career in thermal science engineering, leading corporate projects for Exelon Nuclear and research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Jana was chosen to participate in the Catalyze CU Business Accelerator, she has been published in scientific journals, and she was recently granted a patent for electric motor technology that’s being used in product development and working on a second patent for a biomechanics testing device.

As our CTO, Dan designs experimental protocols, procures equipment, and manages data collection and analysis. As a sponsored triathlete with both a B.S. and M.S. in Biomechanics, Dan has a unique insight into the sports industry. Dan’s Ph.D. research under an international leader of neurophysiology research, Dr. Roger Enoka, at the University of Colorado - Boulder, furthers Dan’s physiology and mathematical skills. Dan’s passion for science, position as a brand ambassador for numerous companies and applicable expertise make him perfectly suited for the position of CTO.

As Director of Marketing, Simon creates and executes marketing strategy and new customer (client) acquisition plans for R.I.S.E. He also manages sales prospecting, client onboarding, client management, reporting, and business operations. Simon has over four years of experience in sales operations and B2B, B2C and B2B2C marketing. Working at both small and large companies, Simon has had the opportunity to demonstrate his talents and engage with businesses and consumers on behalf of clients. His expertise in marketing strategy, sales operations, content creation, and team building give him the ability to lead our customer acquisition and marketing endeavors.

Advisory Board

Steve brings our advisory board over a decade of experience as a leader in the nonprofit sector. He is the Director of Development for Flatirons Habitat for Humanity, and he has served a variety of organizations, including the Kiwanis International Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico, and he enjoys chasing new challenges as a runner.

Steve provides financial advisement to R.I.S.E. and has influenced our revenue/cost model, helped us craft business plan sections, and continues to assist R.I.S.E. members during the search for investment.

In her advisory role, Robyn assists with development of clinically-relevant experimental protocols and with acquiring grant funding that’s relevant to the translation of human subject research to the general public. She also reviews all technical and media announcements for clarity and accuracy. Robyn has over 15 years of experience in forensic science, clinical research, scientific writing, and neurophysiology. Her extensive and diverse background allows her to provide advice, help develop accurate and relevant experimental protocols, and understand the needs of sports companies. In addition to her Master’s degree in Forensic Anthropology, Robyn is pursuing a Ph.D. under Dr. Roger Enoka investigating the neuromechanics of therapeutic movement, such as stretching and yoga.

Prior to her time directing the Applied Biomechanics Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Grabowski worked with field-leading experts in human locomotion and prosthetic design. As an Assistant Professor at CU Boulder, Dr. Grabowski’s research focuses on the physiological and biomechanical effects of walking and running with assistive devices. An international expert in understanding how devices affect human movement and physiology, Dr. Grabowski adds immense support to the technical team at R.I.S.E.

In her advisory role, Dr. Grabowski will assist the R.I.S.E. team in development of experimental protocols, application for federal grant funding, and collaborate on industry projects. Her extensive network within the academic community will also be beneficial for R.I.S.E. when attending conferences and acquiring new clients.