3 Questions for András Kokai, Co-Founder & CEO of Clift
Q: When developing Clift, did you think of it more as a product or as a service that supports and guides climbers? Where did you allow technology to lead the design, and where did climbing traditions set the limits?
A: I’ve always seen Clift as more than just a product. From the beginning, it was about creating a service-driven ecosystem that supports climbers on every level, from kids at school gyms to Olympic athletes. Technology led us in terms of data collection and visualization making climbing measurable in real time. But traditions shaped our limits: the wall remains a wall, the challenge is still physical, and the purity of climbing had to stay untouched. We didn’t want to replace climbing, only to enrich it.
“ Traditions shaped our limits: the wall remains a wall, the challenge is still physical, and the purity of climbing had to stay untouched.”
– András Kokai
Q: Climbing has always been about the body and the wall. Many people see climbing as a return to nature, and with Clift technology enters that relationship. What do you see as the main advantage this brings to climbers and to the sport?
A: For me, technology doesn’t take climbers away from the essence of the sport, it actually brings them closer. With Clift, climbers can see their own progression, replay their sessions, and challenge themselves in new ways. It’s like having a mirror that shows not just your body but your growth over time. For the sport, this creates a bridge between tradition and innovation. It motivates beginners, engages young people through gamification, and gives professionals hard data to optimize performance.
“With Clift, climbers can see their own progression, replay their sessions, and challenge themselves in new ways. It’s like having a mirror that shows not just your body but your growth over time.”
– András Kokai
Q: Looking ahead, do you see Clift as a step towards climbing becoming a digital platform with games, competitions and coaching, something more than just a physical piece of equipment?
A: Absolutely, Clift is already moving in that direction. We see climbing not only as a sport, but as a digital culture and community. Through the Clift App, the Interactive Wall, and our Originals streaming platform, we’re building a connected ecosystem where games, competitions, and coaching are all part of the same experience. I believe climbing can become the next big global community sport physical at its core, but enriched by digital layers that make it more engaging, inclusive, and future-proof.
“For the sport, this creates a bridge between tradition and innovation. It motivates beginners, engages young people through gamification, and gives professionals hard data to optimize performance.”
– András Kokai
About Clift Interactive Wall
The Clift Interactive Wall redefines indoor climbing by blending immersive design, gamification, and real-time data analytics. With LED-guided routes, intelligent sensors, and direct app integration, every session becomes measurable, engaging, and tailored to the climber’s progression.
Clift transforms climbing from a static activity into a dynamic digital experience: climbers can track their performance, compete with friends, or train with personalized programs. The platform is not only fun but also deeply educational, making it ideal for schools, family climbing centers, and professional gyms. Beyond Europe and the US, Clift recently entered the Asian market through Singapore, highlighting its global scalability and cultural adaptability.
The Interactive Wall is part of the broader Clift ecosystem:
- Clift Sentry enhances safety with a unique auto-belay monitoring solution.
- Clift App unites climbing data, video, and community engagement in one hub.
- Clift Originals provides streaming content created with elite climbers, blending storytelling and training.
Together, these innovations make Clift not just a product, but a worldwide climbing platform – connecting local gyms, global competitions, and the next generation of climbers.
Clift was founded by Andras Kokai, an industrial designer and passionate climber with a vision to merge the timeless challenge of climbing with the opportunities of modern technology. The core team combines backgrounds in design, engineering, sports science, and digital product development, creating a multidisciplinary approach that fuels innovation.
What began as a small Hungarian start-up has grown into an international team with active projects in more than 10 European countries, the United States, and most recently Singapore, opening pathways into the Asian climbing market.
The team’s strength lies in its ability to translate the spirit of climbing into digital form without losing authenticity: from youth education programs and recreational climbing to elite athlete training, Clift creates tools and experiences that inspire every generation. Driven by creativity, community, and data, the team continues to shape the future of climbing as a truly global ecosystem.
Project
Clift Interactive Wall
Year of production
2024
Photography
Clift
Edited by
Blažka Drnovšek
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