The National Football League (NFL) and Football Research, Inc. (FRI) have partnered with Duke University's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (Duke CTSI) to create the HeadHealthTECH Challenges, a series of innovation challenges intended to deepen understanding of and advance solutions in the areas of head protection, materials science, and kinematic measurement, among others.
HeadHealthTECH Helmet Challenge Grants
| FOCUS AREA | OPPORTUNITY | RESPONSE DUE DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Creation of a physical helmet prototype | Multiple awards with a cumulative value of up to $2 million | March 31, 2020 |
The HeadHealthTECH Helmet Challenge grant submission window is now closed. Check back soon for new HeadHealthTECH Challenge opportunities.
The National Football League (NFL) and Football Research, Inc. (FRI) have partnered with Duke University's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (Duke CTSI) to create the HeadHealthTECH Challenges, a series of innovation challenges intended to deepen understanding of and advance solutions in the areas of head protection, materials science and kinematic measurement, among others. The TECH Challenges are structured to stimulate research and innovation, as well as encourage connections with mentors and/or venture capitalists, with a goal of spurring developments in engineering, biomechanics, advanced sensors and material science.
The NFL is making up to $2 million in HeadHealthTECH grant funding available to NFL Helmet Challenge applicants to support the creation of a physical helmet prototype for laboratory testing. Applications are being accepted from November 18, 2019 – March 31, 2020. Grants will be awarded in May 2020.
The HeadHealthTECH Challenge series is one component of the Engineering Roadmap, a $60-million comprehensive effort – funded by the NFL and managed by FRI – to improve the understanding of the biomechanics of head injuries in professional football and to create incentives for helmet manufacturers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, universities and others to develop and commercialize new and improved protective equipment, including helmets.
Through six TECH Challenges, the NFL and FRI have awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to help advance the development of 13 new technologies.
A panel of expert judges selected by Duke CTSI, in collaboration with FRI, will evaluate all proposals. Funding will be awarded by FRI. Duke CTSI will work closely with funding recipients to develop and mature their ideas. All individuals or institutions submitting proposals will retain ownership over their ideas at all times.
- Learn More about Finite Element Models: New Tools for Innovation in Football Helmet Design
- Oversight Committee
- Learn More About the Winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge VI
- Learn more about the winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge V
- Learn more about the winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge IV
- Learn more about the winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge III
- Learn more about the winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge II
- Learn more about the winners of HeadHealthTECH Challenge I
- HeadHealthTECH Challenge VI Webinar
- HeadHealthTECH Challenge IV Webinar
- HeadHealthTECH Challenge III Webinar
- HeadHealthTECH Challenge II Webinar
