OnTracx, a promising spin-off from Ghent University, has successfully raised €1.2 million in seed funding to advance its cutting-edge smart sensor and digital platform tailored for runners and health professionals. This innovative platform is designed to offer valuable insights into the biomechanical responses of the body during running, with a focus on understanding cumulative load to ensure safer training and effective rehabilitation.

Unlike many solutions that claim to prevent injuries entirely, OnTracx aims to illuminate the often-overlooked biomechanical loads that runners experience. The recent funding round saw participation from imec.istart Fund, PMV, KBC, and business angels from Belgium and the Netherlands, all of whom bring expertise in sports medicine and entrepreneurship. Additionally, OnTracx received an innovation grant from VLAIO. The capital will be directed towards refining product features, expanding commercialization efforts, and preparing for market entry in Europe and North America.

At the heart of OnTracx's offering is a lightweight sensor worn on the lower leg, which accurately measures the load on tendons, muscles, and joints - key factors responsible for nearly 80% of running injuries. By combining objective sensor data with runner-reported inputs such as symptoms, the platform delivers real-time insights to physiotherapists, podiatrists, coaches, and runners, while respecting their professional expertise.

CEO and co-founder Senne Bonnaerens emphasized, "While distance, pace, or running analysis data are useful, they only tell part of the story. Our mission is to uncover the hidden loads that contribute to injury risk, enabling athletes and caregivers to make informed decisions, whether for ongoing training or a confident return to sport."

Commercial Success and Academic Recognition

Since its commercial debut in April 2024, OnTracx has successfully sold over 500 sensors and forged partnerships with 20 sports medical centers across Belgium. Its academic origins at UGent have earned international acclaim, including winning an Under Armour innovation prize and being named a finalist in Deloitte’s "10 Fastest Rising Tech Startups" program in 2024.

Orthopedic surgeon and investor, Dr. François Hardeman, remarked, "OnTracx exemplifies how scientific knowledge can be transformed into a practical product with the potential to impact thousands of runners and their caregivers. It’s a remarkable example of academic research brought to life through entrepreneurship."

Impact on Sports Medicine

With an estimated 110 million runners worldwide, half of whom suffer injuries annually, OnTracx is revolutionizing sports medicine by bridging the gap between rehabilitation, training, and performance. The company's goal is to reduce the risk of reinjury, support sustainable training practices, and ultimately lower healthcare costs.

Founded in 2023, OnTracx merges award-winning research with wearable technology and intelligent load management to support running rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance training for athletes, clinicians, and millions of runners globally.