How It Started
HIGHLIGHTS
The Beginning
In 2010, Anna started investigating so-called Exergames as a scholar of the Darmstadt Graduate School ‘Topology of Technology’ at the Technical University of Darmstadt. Inspired by the potential she decided to investigate the topic further in her PhD. Title: Balancing fun and exertion in Exergames.
First Exergame prototype
The story of Sphery began with a visionary pilot project funded by the Sportfonds and Swisslos: “Psychophysiologisch adaptives Exergame Fitnesstraining für Kinder und Jugendliche.” This groundbreaking initiative laid the foundation for what would become the ExerCube.
Founding of Sphery AG
In 2018, Sphery was founded to take its flagship product—the ExerCube—from lab to market. Backed by a passionate team of experts in sports science, cognitive psychology, and game development, the company has since become a pioneer in the SportsTech sector.
TEDxZurich
In her TEDxZurich talk, Dr. Anna Lisa Martin-Niedecken explores how gamification transforms fitness. She presents the ExerCube, an adaptive exergame that merges physical activity with immersive gaming, enhancing motivation and performance.
First Showroom in Zurich
HoHooray! 🎉 The official Sphery showroom is now open at Römerhof in Zurich. Experience the ExerCube live and explore the future of gamified, adaptive fitness. Book a demo, test the tech, and discover how immersive training can transform body and mind.
"Die Hohle der Löwen"
🎉 Sphery enters the spotlight on Die Höhle der Löwen, presenting the ExerCube to Germany’s top investors! Discover how our gamified, adaptive fitness system impressed the lions with its innovation, impact, and immersive training experience.
FIBO Innovation Award Winner
🦁 Sphery is proud to be a FIBO Innovation & Trend Award winner 2019! Recognized for the ExerCube’s breakthrough in gamified, adaptive fitness technology, this award highlights our impact on the future of physical and cognitive training. Innovation meets motivation—on a whole new level.
FIBO Innovation Award Winner
🦁 Sphery is proud to be a FIBO Innovation & Trend Award winner for the second time in a row. We are very happy that this year our shortly launched first inclusive physical eSports League made it to the podium.
German Innovation Award
Jury: Ein neuartiges Fitness-Game, das erstmals die Ästhetik von Video-Games mit effektiven, wissenschaftlich fundierten Trainingskonzepten kombiniert. Neu: Der Schwierigkeitsgrad passt sich in Echtzeit an den Nutzer an und der spielerische Ansatz erzeugt einen einmaligen Trainingsflow.
Digital Shapers
Recognizing Swiss Digital Innovation
Anna Lisa Martin-Niedecken (Co-Founder Sphery) was named among Switzerland’s top 100 Digital Shapers. Honored in the “Thinkers” and “Creatives” categories, they represent leading minds in creative economies and game design. The selection was made by Bilanz, Handelszeitung, and Le Temps.
Sphery at CES
Experience the future of fitness at CES Las Vegas. The Sphere showcases real-time data visualisation of elite athlete Alice’s physical and cognitive performance. Smart, holistic, and gamified – Swiss fitness tech at its best.
49er Gym San José
A true honor to meet NFL legend Jerry Rice at the iconic 49ers training facility in San Jose. The greatest wide receiver of all time shared insights, energy, and inspiration right where champions train.
Legacy, excellence, and unmatched work ethic – straight from the GOAT himself.
Performance Tracking
Introducing the ExerCube App – your smart companion for long-term fitness success. Track performance, monitor progress, and stay motivated with personalized insights from every session. Designed to complement the ExerCube training system, the app empowers users with data-driven feedback, goal setting, and progress visualization.
Neuro Rehab
The ExerCube is expanding into rehabilitation—supporting stroke, Parkinson’s, and dementia therapy, as well as geriatric care and ACL recovery. With its interactive, adaptive design and a specialized Return to Sports program, it offers cognitive-motor training that’s engaging, effective, and evidence-based.
HZHG Hamburg
This interactive, gamified training system promotes both physical and cognitive fitness – personalized, motivating, and scientifically validated. The highly inclusive training tool, is fully accessible for people in wheelchairs, making it ideal for diverse needs in modern geriatric care.
Impact on Brain Performance
Our first study, “Impact of an Exergame Intervention on Cognitive-Motor Functions in Young Team Sports Athletes,”shows significant improvements after 7 weeks of ExerCube training. The results highlight measurable gains in attention, coordination, and reaction time.
ARTE MEETS SPHERY
This 45-minute ARTE documentary explores the growing crisis of physical inactivity. From exergames to gamified fitness systems, “The Movement Crisis” highlights science-based, motivating approaches that can help people move more—smarter, longer, and with lasting impact.
New Motion Tracking Software
Our new webcam-based multiplayer motion tracking software enables interactive training for up to 6 users. Designed for schools and adaptable for home use, it promotes movement, coordination, and engagement through gamified group sessions.
Ball des Sports
The ExerCube was featured at the prestigious Ball des Sports in Frankfurt, Germany’s leading sports charity event. Guests experienced immersive, gamified training that enhances both physical and cognitive performance. Combining innovation and motivation, the ExerCube showcased its unique value for athletes, partners, and active lifestyles.
Impact of Endurance Training
The latest publication (University of Bern) compares exergaming (EXT) to traditional endurance training (MICT). Results show significant improvements over time in HR, SBP, VO₂peak, and heart rate variability. EXT outperformed MICT with a steeper reduction in HR and SBP and greater VO₂peak gains—alongside higher enjoyment ratings.
RTL
RTL showcases innovative stroke rehabilitation at Reha Rheinfelden, Switzerland. Using advanced therapy and technologies like the ExerCube, patients regain mobility and cognitive function. The segment highlights personalized recovery paths, neuroplastic training, and real progress in post-stroke care.
Opening The Sphere
The Sphere Launches Its First Franchise Location in Darmstadt, Germany
The Sphere, our innovative fitness franchise concept, has officially opened its first location in Darmstadt, Germany. The immersive boutique studio combines functional group training, gamification, and performance tracking to create a next-level workout experience.
Designed as a scalable franchise model, The Sphere merges cutting-edge technology with evidence-based training and strong community engagement. The Darmstadt flagship marks the starting point for international expansion.
Franchise opportunities are now available for selected partners ready to shape the future of immersive fitness.
RX Female Award at FIBO 2025
We are so happy that Anna won this year’s RX Female Award which celebrates outstanding women shaping the future of fitness, health, and wellness. Leaders who drive innovation, break barriers, and inspire with courage and expertise.
Meet The Team
Prof. Dr. Anna Martin Niedecken
Co-Founder
This is Anna. She’s the mastermind and initiator behind Sphery. With her background in sports science (TU Darmstadt) and her extensive experience as a senior researcher in game design (Zurich University of the Arts), she laid the foundation and shaped Sphery’s [ExerCube] research-based and iterative co-design process. Anna’s visionary mindset and keen sense for R&D trends enable Sphery to always stay one step ahead and grow sustainably over time. For Anna, no goal is too high to tackle!
Stephan Niedecken
Co-Founder
This is Stephan. Some call him the Business Octopus. He seems to have eight limbs because he manages to keep track of everything that happens in, outside or around Sphery. Phoning with three people at once while he replies to his E-Mails and checks the bank account happens regularly. No joke. Without him, Sphery would probably be a creative mess.
Dave Baucamp
Co-Founder
This is Dave. Fitness rocket, personal trainer, network king – What a machine! He knows every single detail about the human body since he studied movement science at ETH Zurich. Dave makes sure that all Sphery training concepts offer you a great and maximum effective training experience. And pssst … Did you know that the avatars in the ExerCube all have Dave’s movements?
Yannic Hungerbuhler
GAME & EXPERIENCE DESIGNER
This is Yannic. 100% creative – 100% techy! He comes up with creative ideas and brings them to life. Whether graphic design or game design … What he does seems like magic from the outside. Yannic is capable of creating or fixing everything that you could imagine.
Helen Galliker
GAME & EXPERIENCE DESIGNER
This is Helen. She is an allrounder who loves to experiment and develop new ideas and prototypes. Through her unique style, she creates experiences and worlds for our sphery universe.
Yanick Riederer
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
This is Yanick. He adds to the number of namesakes in our team, is a health scientist, and has specialized in the field of movement sciences. After successfully completing his ETH master thesis at Sphery, he immediately wanted to gain his first work experience there as well. As a project manager, he manages various projects and ensures a pleasant working atmosphere with his friendly and open manner.
