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INNOVATION IN CLIMBING USING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Today we discover the future of climbing innovation with sustainable materials. Learn how MAD is reshaping the climbing industry with their eco-friendly approach to gear manufacturing.

Today we discover the future of climbing innovation with sustainable materials. Learn how MAD is reshaping the climbing industry with their eco-friendly approach to gear manufacturing.

Climbing is rapidly becoming a very popular sport. The introduction of this sport at the Tokyo Olympics has propelled its popularity, making it one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. Many enthusiasts are drawn to its close connection with nature, whether it’s sport climbing, bouldering, or free soloing. Even in urban areas like Berlin, where natural climbing spots are rare, indoor climbing gyms offer a solution. Locations such as Boulder Klub Kreuzberg, der Kegel, Ostbloc, Bouldergarten, T-Hall, and Magic Mountain provide opportunities for climbers to pursue their passion.

These indoor facilities come fully equipped with all the necessary gear, including harnesses, carabiners, helmets, and climbing walls. However, there’s a significant sustainability concern regarding climbing holds. These holds, typically made from non sustainable materials like PU/PE, often end up discarded or incinerated at the end of their lifecycle.

THE SOLUTION: SUSTAINABLE CLIMBING HOLDS

MAD develops climbing holds made from sustainable materials.

Marta and Manuela met at one of Berlin’s climbing halls. They share a passion for climbing, sustainability, and innovation. Their goal is to revolutionise the climbing industry and ensure sustainability is a key part of every product’s design and use in sports.

Both joined MotionLab.Berlin’s Hardtech Innovation Accelerator Program with their startup MAD. Marta explains, “With MAD, we want to reduce plastic waste. Our first focus is on climbing holds made of sustainable materials.” Manuela adds, “We aim to inspire a global movement for sustainability and innovation, contributing to a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using sustainable materials such as mycelium allows to create sustainable as well as strong and durable climbing gear.

“Our approach is to use mycelium, the roots of mushrooms, which act as a natural glue when combined with organic substrate. This technology lets us make climbing holds that are as strong and durable as conventional ones, but they replace plastic with a biodegradable and renewable resource.”

MAD’s leasing business model enables a circular manufacturing process. This allows continuous refurbishing of these mycelium holds until they reach the end of their lifespan. At that point, they can be repurposed into fertilizer for the agricultural industry, completing a cyclical journey.

WHO IS BEHIND MAD?

Haven’t seen Marta and Manuela at Motionlab.Berlin yet? You’ll spot them soon! “You can easily find us – we’re the ones talking and laughing all the time,” say Marta and Manuela. They’re best friends, both architects, and designers, and always at MotionLab.Berlin. “People call us M&Ms, the Spice Girls, the Minions, or even ‘the Spanish girls’ (though Manuela is from Argentina). We get some really creative nicknames.”

They love their time at MotionLab.Berlin so much that they’ll stay even after the program ends. What do they love most about the program? The inspiring people, the support, shared knowledge, access to machinery, and the learning process in prototyping.

MARTA'S & MANUELA'S BIGGEST LEARNINGS

The power of networking and building meaningful connections.
The importance of embracing failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. “Instead of viewing setbacks as obstacles, we learned to see them as opportunities for growth and learning.“
“Follow your intuition. It will never lead you astray.” This aligns with Albert Einstein’s quote. We’ve learned to trust our instincts and have confidence in our abilities and decisions

LOOKING AHEAD & FUTURE PLANS

Reflecting on their journey, Marta says, “It’s been a rollercoaster. We were both new to the startup scene, so there was a lot of learning and hard work involved. But we found the right people who encouraged us to keep trying and pursue our dream. We’re surprised by the level of interest in our product and the number of people eager to buy it once we launch. Now, we aim to not only establish our company but also lay the groundwork for systemic change.”

In February, MAD was selected as one of this year’s catalyst grant winners at beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship. Now, they’re planning to further develop their product and establish themselves in the market as a recognized company for climbing gear made of sustainable materials. Additionally, they aim to explore other equipment possibilities that can be created using bio-based materials. For this, they are looking for financial support and want to continue expanding their community.

Marta and Manuela are also currently working on their MVP, set to be completed by the end of May, and they’re gearing up to participate in a climbing competition at der Kegel with their product.

OUR HARDTECH INNOVATION PROGRAM

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You want to meet MAD and get to know their innovative solution for climbing gear made from sustainable materials personally? Or do you want to get to know the other startups from our current Hardtech Innovation program as well? Join us at our Demo Day on the 31st of May at MotionLab.Berlin and celebrate with us our amazing startups, their solutions and developments! Sign up here.

The Hardtech Innovation program is supported by funds from the European Union (European Social Fund) and the State of Berlin.

Do you know somebody who could be interested in MAD? Sharing is caring!

The Hardtech Innovation program is supported by funds from the European Union (European Social Fund) and the State of Berlin.