At the league’s second annual 1st and Future event at the Texas Medical Center Innovation Institute, the NFL took a step forward in their commitment to protecting their players by funding three startups that are focused on a wide range of safety concerns. They competed with a number of other startups in hopes of locking down the $50,000 prize for the NFL. The three startups that came away with the funding address everything from on-field communication to innovative padding systems to protect players. Check them out below and keep an eye out for this revolutionary tech on the gridiron next season.
GoRout
This startup created the only playmaking technology that combines intelligent software and on-field wearable products to enhance practice for high school, college, and professional football teams.
Mobile Virtual Player
This company designs, markets and distributes motorized tackling dummies, or “virtual players,” that reduce the risk of getting injured while tackling during practice.
Windpact
This startup, led by former NFL cornerback Shawn Springs, developed a padding system designed to absorb and disperse impact energy to improve the performance of helmets and other protective gear. Photo: Flickr / Keith Allison
