Khaldon Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Ochy: “Building a solid foundation in both sports science and technology is crucial”

Like so many founders of sports tech startups, Khaldon Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Ochy, is no stranger to athletic competition. And it was his experiences as an athlete, a NCAA All-American 400m runner, that drive him to help others.

“Throughout my career, I faced numerous challenges in perfecting my running form and preventing injuries,” he told us. “It became evident to me that many athletes struggle with similar issues and that technology could offer significant solutions.”

Khaldon has an entrepreneurial spirit to match his athletic skills, taking third place in a national entrepreneurial challenge while at business school – and then using that money to create his own company. When that failed to ignite, he joined a tech startup, helping them to be ranked in the top 300 fastest growing startups in Europe.

Using all that experience, Khaldon launched Ochy in July 2021. Its key aim is to prevent injuries by mixing cutting-edge proprietary technology with the hardware in everyone’s pocket: a phone.

Find out more about Ochy below, and discover Khaldon’s advice for any budding entrepreneur who’s thinking about starting a sports tech company (or any other tech startup) of their own.

Related reading: Marcel Tiggelman, Co-Founder of ORYX Movement Solutions: “Simply measuring data doesn’t automatically translate to valuable insights”

Tell us your elevator pitch

At Ochy, we are revolutionising the way runners and athletes in running-related sports like soccer, rugby and American football understand and improve their performance. Our advanced biomechanics assessment tool uses AI to deliver lab-quality running form analysis via a smartphone camera.

This allows athletes to receive real-time feedback and personalised recommendations to enhance their performance, prevent injuries and optimise training. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a coach, or someone passionate about running, Ochy brings cutting-edge technology to your fingertips, ensuring you can perform at your best, every day.

What is it about sports tech that excites you? What made you get into this sector?

Sports tech excites me because it combines the thrill of athletic performance with the precision of technological innovation. My journey into this sector was driven by my own experiences as a former 400m/200m athlete. Throughout my career, I faced numerous challenges in perfecting my running form and preventing injuries. It became evident to me that many athletes struggle with similar issues and that technology could offer significant solutions.

The idea of leveraging AI to provide precise running form analysis and real-time feedback was compelling. This led to the founding of Ochy, where our goal is to democratise access to high-quality biomechanical analysis. The potential to make a meaningful impact on athletes’ performance and health by using technology is what drives me.

Seeing our tool help athletes achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.

Related: How cloud computing transformed football – even at park level

How sports tech can reduce injuries

What sports does your tech apply to? And have you been surprised by its use?

Our technology is designed primarily for running and running-related sports. While our initial focus was on runners, we quickly discovered the broader applications of our tool.

For example, soccer players have used our technology to analyse their sprinting and agility, which are crucial for their performance on the field. Rugby players have benefited from our assessments to improve their running form, leading to enhanced speed and reduced injury risk. Similarly, American football players have utilised our tool to optimise their sprint mechanics and overall running efficiency.

The versatility of our technology in these sports has been a pleasant surprise, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise athletic training across various disciplines.

Can you give an example of a complex problem in sports that you – or your company – have been involved in tackling with technology?

One complex problem we have addressed is the challenge of accurately assessing running form without the need for expensive and cumbersome equipment. Traditional methods of biomechanical analysis often require motion capture systems, which are not only costly but also impractical for everyday use by athletes.

At Ochy, we developed an AI-driven solution that uses a smartphone camera to capture and analyse running forms in real-time. Creating algorithms capable of detecting and interpreting subtle biomechanical nuances was a significant challenge.

However, our solution now provides precise, actionable insights through a device most athletes already own. This innovation has made high-quality running form analysis accessible to a wider audience, empowering runners and athletes to make data-driven decisions that enhance their performance and reduce injury risks.

Related: Anders Tånger, CEO of Photon Sports: “What fascinates us the most is when technology goes unnoticed”

Thinking of injury prevention and/or recovery, what are some technology and/or science developments you’ve found particularly fascinating?

Injury prevention and recovery are critical areas where technology and science have made significant strides. One development I find particularly fascinating is the use of AI-driven running form analysis for injury prevention. By analysing an athlete’s running mechanics in real-time, our technology can identify potential issues such as overpronation or improper stride length, which are common causes of injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.

Another exciting advancement is the use of wearable sensors that track biomechanics and provide immediate feedback to correct form during training sessions.

Additionally, the integration of virtual reality (VR) for rehabilitation is transforming recovery processes. VR can create controlled environments where injured athletes perform specific movements, helping them regain strength and mobility in a more engaging and effective way. These technologies collectively enhance our ability to prevent injuries before they occur and offer more effective recovery solutions, ultimately extending athletes’ careers and improving their quality of life.

What advice do you have for those wanting to start a career in sports tech, or those wanting to launch a startup in the space?

For those aspiring to start a career in sports tech or launch a startup, particularly in the realm of running, my foremost advice is to immerse yourself in the sports community. Understand the specific challenges that the user faces. Engage with athletes, coaches, and sports organisations to gain deep insights into their needs. Building a solid foundation in both sports science and technology is crucial. If you’re a technologist, learn about biomechanics, physiology and the specific demands of running.

Conversely, if you come from a sports background, invest time in understanding emerging technologies like AI, data analytics and wearable devices. Networking is also essential. Attend industry conferences, join sports tech forums, and connect with professionals who can offer mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

When developing your product, focus on creating a user-friendly and impactful solution. Start with a small group of users, gather feedback, and iterate to improve. Finally, be prepared for a long journey. The sports tech industry is competitive and requires perseverance, but the potential to make a significant impact on the sports world, especially in enhancing performance and preventing injuries, is well worth the effort.