The iSportsPro-Genetics project, funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE), seeks to integrate genetic analysis, microbiome and biosignals for the personalization of sports training
Overgenes S.L. and Dawako Medtech S.L., two companies from the Valencian biotechnological ecosystem based in the Science Park of the University of Valencia (PCUV), collaborate in the development of a pioneering technology in sports training personalization. The iSportsPro-Genetics project, funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) under the PIDCOP-CV 2024 programme, aims to integrate genetic analysis, microbiome and bio signals to improve physical performance, prevent injuries and optimize recovery in high performance and amateur athletes.
The project has received funding of 102,356 euros (in the case of Overgenes, 55,008.30 euros; and in Dawako, 47,348 euros) and has an overall budget of 243,704 euros (Overgenes, 130,972.15 euros; Dawako, 112,732 euros), 60% of which is co-financed by the European Union under the 2021-2027 EDF programme of the Valencian Community. Its implementation is taking place from September 2024 to December 2025 at the PCUV facilities.
"Our integrative approach will allow us to develop an unprecedented tool that optimizes performance and minimizes the risk of injury through a complete and personalized analysis of the athlete."
Innovation in the customization of sports training
The objective of iSportsPro-Genetics is to develop a multiscale predictive sports algorithm, capable of analyzing genetic predisposition, intestinal microbiota, motor functionality and other key biomarkers to provide scientifically-based recommendations to staff responsible for training, physiotherapy, sports medicine and nutrition.
"Our integrative approach will allow us to develop an unprecedented tool that optimizes performance and minimizes the risk of injury through a complete and personalized analysis of the athlete," says the Overgenes team.
Meeting of the Overgenes and Dawako Medtech teams at PCUV. PHOTO: Overgenes.
A reference consortium in biotechnology and medical technology
Overgenes, a company specialized in preventive genetics, has developed solutions such as MySport, a genetic test for athletes that analyzes injury predisposition, exercise metabolism and training response.
Dawako Medtech focuses on the application of wearable biosignals, combining electromyography (EMG) with inertial sensors (IMU) to analyze, in this case, motor functionality and prevent injuries. Its technology hopes to enhance information in the study of motion in a fast, simple, cost-effective and objective way, through the application of algorithms and ML for the treatment and processing of bio signals.
Both companies have previous experience in high-impact collaborative projects such as iSARC-GENETICS, funded by the AVI 2021 call, dedicated to the early detection of sarcopenia combining genetic biomarkers and ultrasound imaging.
A model based on precision medicine
The iSportsPro-Genetics project relies on precision medicine to tailor training to each individual athlete’s biology. To do this, it integrates the analysis of genetic variants and the composition of the intestinal microbiota with the aim of improving performance and preventing injuries. In addition, it uses bio-signal and biomechanics monitoring to identify muscle activation patterns and avoid overloading. All this is complemented by artificial intelligence algorithms that, using big data and machine learning, generate personalized recommendations to optimize sports performance.
On 29 January, a follow-up meeting of the research team was held at the Science Park facilities, to define the steps to be taken in the coming months, which will consist of the physiological and biomechanical tests and the taking of biological samples from the sports personnel
With this initiative, Overgenes and Dawako Medtech consolidate their leadership in sports innovation and strengthen the R&D ecosystem of the Valencian Community, providing cutting-edge solutions for athletes' performance and health.
