Washington entrepreneur launches new 'innovative' tech for runners

Entrepreneur, Craig Downs has combined product design, artificial intelligence, smartphone technology and big data analysis to create a new running product.

Craig’s company, Shoes2Run - based at The Hub in Washington - has developed a wearable product called mymo which uses AI to match a person’s gait to the latest running shoes on the market.

Born out of his passion for running, he sought support from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) to help create a special sock that he believes could become a global success.

He explained: “After suffering an injury by wearing inappropriate shoes, I wanted to make sure other runners didn’t experience the same problem.

“So we have created this patent-pending innovation - knowing that no other company is currently providing unbiased footwear recommendations via this kind of technology.

“And by collaborating with the BIC and various other organisations, we have developed a sock with embedded electronics that measures how the foot performs during a short walk, jog or running exercise.”

Craig went on to say that the sock is to be worn barefoot to provide the most natural measurement, and is controlled using a smartphone. The data can be shared with a physio or podiatrist, giving them real-time data about potential injuries or used as part of rehabilitation.

Shoes2Run was supported by the BIC’s SME Innovation Programme which has received £820,439 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Craig added: “The BIC’s Innovation Programme gave me invaluable support with funding and access to innovative expertise.

“I worked with their innovation adviser, Gillian Middleton, who put me in touch with various organisations so I could access networks and gain further business knowledge.

Craig is hoping to launch the product by the end of the year.

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