CoachAi, a virtual companion that interacts with members through their smartphones, has been declared the winner of this year's ActiveLab competition.

The Israel-based digital startup will use the momentum from the win to further develop its product, which uses behavioural science to support users to make exercise a regular part of their weekly routine.

“We’re incredibly excited to have won and we look forward to working with ukactive to expand CoachAi, and help more people be more active more often," said CoachAI CEO Shai Neiger.

CoachAi was one of nine start-ups that took part in the 12-week ActiveLab programme – organised by not-for profit physical activity body ukactive – which aims to unearth the next generation of fit-tech.

The competition reached its climax at ukactive's Active Uprising event last week, where the nine teams showcased their products during a 60-second live pitch to more than 800 delegates.

The live pitch finale was accompanied by six TED Talks-style presentations, exploring the commercial and consumer demand for fit-tech.

During the event, ukactive also revealed a new framework for the adoption of fit-tech across the physical activity sector, designed to offer practical guidance and support to organisations.

ukactive Acting CEO Huw Edwards said: “We have been delighted to see the growth in scope and stature of ActiveLab since it launched three years ago.

“This year ActiveLab attracted applicants from 14 different countries, showing that it has developed into a global accelerator for budding physical activity start-ups.

“Congratulations to each and every member of the cohort – they have the potential to reshape the physical activity sector and get more people active.”