Abstracts for the Head Health Challenge III Are Due March 13, 2015

Competitors wishing to enter the Head Health Challenge III, an open innovation competition to advance materials that better absorb or dissipate energy, have until 5 p.m. ET, March 13, 2015, to submit abstracts describing their approach. These new materials could improve the performance of protective equipment for athletes, military personnel and those in dangerous occupations.

All entries must be submitted via the Head Health Challenge III online application. 

On Jan. 29, 2015, the NFL, GE (NYSE:GE), and Under Armour (NYSE:UA) joined with the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)  to launch Head Health Challenge III.  

The challenge, which will award up to $2 million for innovative materials, is part of the $60 million Head Health Initiative, a multiyear collaboration between GE and the NFL. Launched in March 2013, the initiative includes a four-year, $40 million research and development program from GE and the NFL to develop next generation imaging technologies to improve diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury. The initiative also includes $20 million open innovation challenges to address better ways to improve diagnosis, prognosis and protection from brain injury.

Head Health Challenge III entries will be judged by leading experts in the field of materials science who will select six winners to receive a $250,000 award each to advance their work in developing technologies that can help prevent mild traumatic brain injury. One overall winner will be selected from the six and will receive an additional $500,000 to further develop their innovation.

Full terms and conditions and more information are available here.