Bodymapp app innovation enables accurate body scanning 

4 May 2023

Bodymapp is a venture that allows users to track and visualise changes to their bodies. Its cutting-edge app enables iphones to scan and generate 3D avatars which accurately reflect the users body shape. Particularly popular among people pursuing health and fitness goals, Bodymapp’s technology can be used by anyone who wants to know more about their body, or visually track changes. Pregnant woman, for example, can use the app to monitor changes to their bodies, and people who prefer online shopping can use the app to obtain precise body measurements easily at any given time. 

The app also provides users with a range of essential health metrics, including body fat estimates, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, and other indicators of overall health. Bodymapp generates a comprehensive health report which offers broad recommendations on nutrition and exercise, tailored specifically to the user’s body shape. 

Bodymapp, formerly known as mPort, was co-founded by University of Auckland Business School alumnus Dipra Ray in 2012. Dipra, who is Bodymapp’s CEO and Managing Director says, “We created Bodymapp because we fundamentally believe that people want to look good and feel great about their bodies. We want Bodymapp to be the go-to tool for people to track their bodies and health around the world.” 

The start-up originally launched a physical 3D body scanner which required users to step inside to get measured. The technology was introduced in various Australian shopping centers and healthcare facilities, garnering widespread attention and interest. To scale globally, they eventually moved to an online model in 2022, enabling people to measure themselves from anywhere with their iPad or iPhone. 

“Since inception, we’ve had the privilege of measuring over 600,000 people in Australia and the US, making us the largest source of accurate body measurements in Australia. We’ve partnered with large gym chains and weight loss companies, and developed a way to measure people via iPhones that preserves privacy and offers very high levels of accuracy.”

Dipra is involved in most aspects of the business, overseeing the company’s progress and growth, setting strategic visions, and ensuring that their plans are executed efficiently. He also manages stakeholder relationships and is involved in creating a fun and inclusive work environment for his team. 

Dipra has always been interested in entrepreneurship, having seen his family involved in business from a young age. “I like the idea of being able to create and grow businesses that add significant value to the community and people.” 

During his university days, Dipra entered spark, now Velocity, winning an award for SavY, a not-for-profit aimed at improving financial literacy among young people. The award provided seed funds to get the charity started and enabled access to mentoring to refine their business plan and go-to-market strategy. Dipra is still involved with SavY today, serving as a chair member.  

“I am a huge fan of the University of Auckland’s Business School and its continued investment in entrepreneurship and encouraging its students to pursue this. Having seen a number of education institutions across the world, I really believe that the University of Auckland does a world class job at encouraging innovation which will be critical for any students thinking about a career in business.”