R+D+i IN SPORT AT THE SERVICE OF COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS
We provide the scientific and technological foundations for companies and organisations to develop safer, more efficient and sustainable products and equipment
Our main lines of action
Performance and injury prevention
Biomechanics research to optimise footwear, equipment and sports surfaces, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury
Innovation in sports materials and technologies
Development of new materials and solutions applying biomechanics, human factors, artificial intelligence and nanomaterials.
Sustainability in sport
Replacement of microplastics with bio-infills and sustainable materials in artificial turf, improving environmental management and durability.
Optimisation of artificial turf
Improvement of fibres and synthetic grass through new geometries and nanomaterials to increase elasticity, verticality, resistance and comfort.
Digitalisation and smart maintenance
Remote monitoring with apps and drones to assess facilities, plan maintenance and ensure safety on sports surfaces
Quality and safety
Development of new testing and certification procedures to ensure international standards in sports federations such as FIFA, World Rugby, ITF and FIBA.
We are FIFA Research Institute for Football Technology and Innovation
- Global collaboration: Working with FIFA and international experts in biomechanics and athlete-footwear-surface interaction.
- FIFA recognition: Experience in certification and standardisation of playing surfaces.
- Applied innovation: Development of technologies such as AI, 4D scanning and VR with an impact on the design of sports equipment of the future.
We are the sports laboratory with the most international accreditations
Notable projects
Footwear of the future (FIFA-IBV)
Pioneering study – since 2024, as a FIFA research institute – on the interaction between football boots and playing surfaces. The aim is to establish technical guidelines to improve performance and safety, in collaboration with the European University of Valencia.
Alternative sustainable infill
Various R&D projects are being carried out with companies to develop new artificial turf systems or new sustainable infill with optimal properties that improve player performance and safety.
Decamp
Recycling and safety. A pioneering project in collaboration with Fanbase and Realturf, among other companies, to develop sports equipment from recycled artificial turf.
EYESPORT
AI and imaging applied to sport. Uses artificial intelligence and image analysis to improve the condition of sports surfaces and their maintenance.
NANOSPORT
Nanomaterials in sports equipment. Project in collaboration with the company Realturf aimed at integrating nanomaterials into artificial sports turf. Improvements were achieved in: Reduction of the friction coefficient of the fibres (~17%) Increased fibre resilience (~18%) Improved performance, safety and durability
ANT4SPORT
Dynamic 4D scanning of the body in motion. Captures the athlete’s morphology in motion without interfering with their movements. Generates anthropometric metrics such as contours, distances and volumes to improve the sport technique and performance and reduce injuries.
DEEP_LAB
Deep learning for biomechanical analysis. Research into the use of deep learning in the recording and analysis of human movement for applications in health and sport. The project develops algorithms and methodologies with collaborating companies.
INNO4SPORTS
Collaborative regional innovation in sport. European project (INTERREG) in conjunction with IVACE+i, focused on the digital transformation of sport and strengthening the sports innovation ecosystem in several European regions.
3G-SUSTANGOAL
Sustainable materials for sport. Eurocork, a company specialised in cork, joined the IBV as a partner in the area of sport. The collaboration aims to develop sustainable materials that act as infill in artificial turf sports surfaces, providing greater cushioning, performance and safety.