University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, $25,000
Concussions are a top concern for football players across America. The medical community has demonstrated that both concussive and sub-concussive head impacts increase a player’s risk for long-term health and mental health issues, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This team is developing a new foam composite capable of reducing both the initial magnitude of impact forces by 30% and the resulting shockwave when compared to traditional foam lining, offering better protection against concussions.