Head Impact Prevention (H.I.P.) joins Sports Tech HQ Collective to advance next-generation helmet innovation

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Head Impact Prevention (H.I.P.), a defense-focused helmet innovation startup inspired by nature’s most resilient designs, has announced its official expansion into Indiana through a new strategic partnership with Sports Tech HQ. As part of this move, H.I.P. will join the Sports Tech HQ Collective — a curated network of more than 40 cutting-edge sports tech companies embedded within Indiana’s world-class ecosystem of sports infrastructure, talent, and innovation.

H.I.P. is redefining head protection for military personnel through a revolutionary, patented helmet design. Its flagship product is a segmented, multi-scale, multi-shell helmet equipped with expansion joints that intelligently distribute impact forces. The design leverages principles of biomimicry — drawing inspiration from nature’s most impact-resistant biological structures — to significantly reduce risk of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Concussion (M-TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Founded by an NFL alum and former participant in the NFL Helmet Challenge at Youngstown State University, H.I.P. was born out of a personal mission to protect lives and prevent the devastating effects of repeated head trauma, especially in defense settings. The company has since earned attention for its forward-thinking approach to brain protection technology — integrating biomechanical insight with high-performance design rooted in biology.

Purpose-Built to Protect, Inspired by Nature

H.I.P.’s technology stands apart from traditional helmet structures. By using segmented shells and a dynamic network of expansion joints, the helmet absorbs and disperses energy more effectively across the surface, mimicking the protective mechanisms found in animals like woodpeckers and armadillos. The result is a next-generation helmet system purpose-built to protect soldiers, service personnel, and others in high-impact roles.

Strategic Growth Through Defense and Innovation

Indiana’s robust manufacturing capabilities, research universities, and thriving defense corridor make it an ideal platform for H.I.P.’s next phase of growth.

“Joining the STHQ Collective gives us the opportunity to work alongside pioneers across sports, defense, and technology,” said Tim Johnson, Founder and CEO of H.I.P. “Indiana’s infrastructure and Sports Tech HQ’s support system will allow us to accelerate testing, deployment, and innovation — getting our helmets into the hands of those who need them most.”

“This announcement underscores the breadth of Sports Tech HQ’s mission,” said Jeffrey Hintz, Executive Director of Sports Tech HQ. “Protective innovation is central to both sports and defense, and H.I.P. represents the kind of boundary-pushing, mission-driven startup we’re proud to support in Indiana.”

ABOUT  HEAD IMPACT PREVENTION (H.I.P.)
Head Impact Prevention (H.I.P.) is a defense-focused innovation company developing next-generation helmet technology inspired by nature’s most resilient designs. Founded by an NFL alum and former participant in the NFL Helmet Challenge, H.I.P. leverages biomimicry and advanced engineering to redefine head protection for military and high-impact applications. Its patented, multi-shell, segmented helmet design intelligently distributes impact forces to help reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion, PTSD, ALS, and CTE. Purpose-built to protect and inspired by nature, H.I.P. is on a mission to safeguard those who serve. Learn more at headimpactprevention.com.

ABOUT SPORTS TECH HQ
Sports Tech HQ is a nonprofit organization fueling Indiana’s transformation into a global hub for sports technology. Home to a world-class sports infrastructure, Indiana provides the foundation for entrepreneurs to advance innovations that elevate the game for fans, athletes, and teams. Sports Tech HQ attracts companies from around the world to join its collective, positioning them at the forefront of an industry projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Discover how these companies are driving the future of sports through Indiana’s robust ecosystem of partners at sthq.org.