Hype Foundation, a company that's all about helping to connect sports tech startups with major companies and investors, held its latest Global Sports Innovation (SPIN) competition - and wearable tech was the big winner.
That winner was Humon, the US-based startup we spoke to at the beginning of the year about its Hex wearable. Worn around the mid thigh area, the Hex is able to measure oxygen levels and is firmly aimed at elite athletes like cyclists and runners. It uses the data recorded in real-time to create a personal AI-powered coach and help users make improvements in their training.
The Hex hasn't launched yet, but the $245 device is slated to start shipping before the end of 2017 and is currently available to pre-order from Humon's website.
Read this: The best fitness trackers to buy right now
The competition, which was held in partnership with Asics, offered the winners the opportunity to be mentored by the sports giant in its global R&D centre with the potential of having its tech integrated into Asics products.
In second place was Nix, who created a wearable hydration monitor that relies on a sweat-based biometric sensor. Designed for athletes, soldiers, and laborers, the Nix wearable promises to tell you when to drink, what to drink and how much to drink.
Third place went to illuminating apparel startup Luna Wear, with its clothing line that might be not smart or connected in the same way as Humon or Nix, but should help keep workout lovers visible at night.
How we test
By Michael Sawh
Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.
He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.
Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech.
Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.