NFL Combine - Upside Recap: Latest Trends in Tech, Training & Rehab in the NFL
Dear colleague,
Last week we attended the 2025 NFL Combine and hosted our NFL VIP event in Indianapolis in association with Sports Tech HQ, Elevate Ventures and InnoPower. We had a great turnout at our event and it was a great opportunity to showcase some innovative companies. As part of that we had the opportunity to catch up with NFL teams, VCs, family offices and sports tech startups. So here is our recap:
Indianapolis is set to become a key tech hub for sports tech startups
This was our first time attending the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Indianapolis is rapidly emerging as a hub for sports tech startups due to its strong sports industry presence, institutional support, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Home to major organizations like the NCAA, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and professional teams such as the Pacers (NBA), the Colts (NFL), Fever (WNBA), the city provides an ideal environment for innovation in sports performance, analytics, and fan engagement. Its universities, including Indiana University, Purdue, and Butler, contribute to research and talent development in sports science and technology. Additionally, initiatives like the 16 Tech Innovation District and the Sports Tech HQ, InnoPower, along with investment programs such as Techstars Sports Accelerator, and VCs like Elevate Ventures, offer funding and mentorship to sports tech startups.
Pictures: Indiana Pacers / NBA (Top left), Indianapolis Colts / NFL (Top right), Purdue University / NCAA (Bottom left), Fever / WNBA (Bottom right)
The city's business-friendly environment, lower cost of living, and collaborative startup culture make it attractive for entrepreneurs compared to larger tech hubs. With a growing focus on wearables, biomechanics, AI-driven analytics, and esports, Indianapolis is leveraging its role as a host of major sporting events like the NFL Combine to showcase innovation on a national stage. The state’s early adoption of legalized sports betting has also fueled growth in sports betting technology startups. As a result, Indianapolis is positioning itself as a major player in sports technology, providing opportunities for startups to collaborate with professional teams, investors, and academic.
Our NFL VIP event with Sports Tech HQ, Elevate Ventures, InnoPower, was a success, gathering key stakeholders
The Sports Tech HQ Innovation Showcase at the NFL Combine, in Indianapolis, that we helped co-organize in association with Sports Tech HQ, Elevate, InnoPower LLC (InnoPower Indy), the NFLPA INDIANAPOLIS CHAPTER, was a success.
The evening brought interactive demos, transformative conversations, and cutting-edge ideas that are shaping the future of sports. Among the highlights of the event was a fireside chat between Super Bowl champions Gary Brackett and Tarik Glenn as well as our investor panel—Myles Grote, Konrad von Moltke, and Chris Wilkerson. A number of startups presented such as Kinmetrix, Sportable, ai.io, PREGAME®, SuperQuickQuestion (Techstars Sports '24).
Picture: Sports Tech HQ Innovation Showcase, 2025 NFL Combine
Here is a video recap of our event:
Kinmetrix, which built an advanced neck strengthening device that collects data, establishes the baseline for athletes’ neck and helps strengthen the athlete’s neck to help reduce future concussion events, demoed its machine, the Kinmetrix Arc, during the event.
Picture: Kinmetrix Arc.
For us at Upside, it was also a special opportunity to meet Super Bowl champions Gary Brackett and Tarik Glenn, InnoPower LLC CEO and former NFL player Emil Nabo Ekiyor and President of the NFLPA Indianapolis chapter and former NFL player Geneo Riley.
Pictures: Julien Blin, Jeff Hintz, Gary Brackett, Tarik Glenn, Emil Nabo Ekiyor, Geneo Riley.
All eyes were on the Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter at the 2025 NFL Combine
The 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis so far has showcased several top prospects, including Travis Hunter: A versatile athlete from Colorado, excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver.
Picture: Travis Hunter, 2025 NFL Combine
But other prospects included:
Jalen Milroe: Quarterback from Alabama, noted for his athleticism and arm strength.
Cam Ward: Highly regarded quarterback prospect, focusing on interviews during the Combine.
Shedeur Sanders: Another top quarterback prospect, also emphasizing interviews over on-field drills.
Picture: NFL Combine, 2025
Among the standout performances, Nick Emmanwori, a safety from South Carolina, delivered a historic display. Measuring 6'3" and 220 pounds, Emmanwori clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, achieved a 43-inch vertical jump, and an 11.5-foot broad jump, earning a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) for the strong safety position. His exceptional performance has solidified his status as a potential first-round draft pick.
Concussion assessment and prevention tools are top of mind among NFL teams
Concussion assessment and prevention solutions are critical in the NFL due to the high risk of head injuries in football and the long-term consequences associated with concussions and repetitive head trauma. Given the intense physical nature of the sport, players are at risk of sustaining concussions from advanced neck strengthening devices collecting data, helmet-to-helmet collisions, hard tackles, or impacts with the ground. Without proper detection and management, concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), cognitive decline, and other neurological disorders over time.
Picture: Kinmetrix Arc
To address this, the NFL has invested in advanced concussion assessment tools, helmet technology, and rule changes to improve player safety. Real-time diagnostic tools such as the King-Devick test, eye-tracking technology, and impact-sensing mouthguards help medical teams quickly identify concussions on the field. An advanced neck strengthening device collecting data such as the Kinmetrix Arc, which uses advanced robotics, sensors and analytics, is gaining great traction among NFL teams as this machine can collect data, establish the baseline for each athletes and help strengthen the athlete’s neck to help reduce future concussion events
Innovations in helmet design, like the VICIS ZERO2 and Guardian Caps, also aim to reduce impact forces, while new tackling techniques and updated protocols (such as mandatory "no-go" symptoms for removal from play) help minimize risk. These solutions are essential not only for protecting players’ long-term health but also for maintaining the integrity and future of the sport.
Hydration assessment tools gaining traction among NFL teams
Based on our conversation with NFL teams at the NFL Combine it became clear that hydration assessment tools were among the key areas of sports tech investments. In fact today NFL teams use a variety of modalities to measure players’ hydration level or status such as such as urine-specific gravity tests, sensors in the urinals (Intake health), sweat rate analysis, bioelectrical impedance, and wearable hydration sensors (Nix Biosensors, FLOWBIO), hydration assessment tools using saliva analysis (MX3, Maxplay).
Hydration assessment tools are crucial in the NFL because proper hydration directly impacts player performance, injury prevention, and overall health. Football is a high-intensity sport with significant physical demands, and dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramping, reduced cognitive function, and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Given the rigorous training schedules and the physical toll of the game, NFL teams use hydration assessment tools to ensure players maintain optimal fluid balance for peak performance and recovery.
Advanced hydration monitoring systems allow teams to tailor hydration strategies for individual players.
These tools help prevent muscle strains, optimize electrolyte balance, and improve endurance, especially in extreme weather conditions or during prolonged exertion. By leveraging real-time hydration data, NFL teams can reduce injuries, enhance recovery, and maximize performance on the field, giving them a competitive edge.
VR training is becoming a key part of some NFL teams’ secret weapons
VR training solutions are also currently gaining traction among NFL teams. One of them is the virtual reality (VR) training system developed by Cognilize, a German company specializing in sports training simulations. This system allows quarterbacks to immerse themselves in game-like scenarios, enhancing their decision-making and reaction times. Notably, former LSU quarterback (QB) Jayden Daniels, now QB for the Commanders, incorporated this VR technology into his daily training regimen, contributing to his development and success on the field.
Picture: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels
As previously noted, Daniels’s experience with VR training started during his time at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he trained with Cognilize, a VR system designed to train at speeds faster than in real life. You can watch a video interview here where Jack Marucci (LSU) is showcasing the system used by Daniels.
Picture: Jack Marucci (LSU) showcasing Cognilize, a VR system, used by Jayden Daniels at LSU.
You can listen to the podcast interview we did with Jack Marucci who helped develop the VR training system at LSU.
During a game earlier this year, CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed Daniels' unique preparation at the Commanders. He has a VR headset he uses at 6 am every day. Plays are all loaded in by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury referred to it as "a flight simulator for quarterbacks."
And Wolfson reported that Daniels thinks it has made a "dramatic difference" to get him ready for game day.
"It's like in real life," he said on the All Facts No Brakes podcast. "They load in the stadium that you're playing in. "I'll get in there and they'll probably give me seven seconds to know the play.
"Presnap I got to basically see the coverage and know where I'm going with the football all before the play clock runs out." Daniels added, "It's the actual scheme. "Say we are playing a big Cover 3 team, they have different versions of Cover 3 we might see. "So it is just like another way to prepare mentally before the game."
The preparation has certainly helped turn round Washington's fortunes as they nearly reached the Super Bowl this year.
“By practicing in virtual environments, aspects such as reaction times, aspects related to cognitive speed for reacting to certain actions will help you to train and to shape your brain to be more sharp,” says Dr. John Muñoz, an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo who specializes in systems design engineering.
A recent study on VR football training found that over a three-day training period with 17 quarterbacks, VR training resulted in an average 30% improvement in decision-making skills, particularly with pre-snap reads and finding open receivers.
Moving forward we expect more NFL teams to adopt VR training systems as part of their training program especially as VR training systems continue to improve due to advancements in AI and VR.
Player’s tracking / HR monitoring systems, Biomechanics assessment tools, force plates, rehab tech, sleep trackers, among other key areas of sports tech investments among NFL teams
Not surprisingly based on our conversations with NFL teams at the NFL Combine, the vast majority of NFL teams have adopted Player’s tracking (e.g. Zebra, Catapult), HR monitoring systems (e.g. Polar, FirstBeat), Biomechanics assessment / rehab tech tools (e.g. DARI Motion), force plates (e.g. VALD, Hawkins), rehab tech, sleep trackers (Oura). We see a similar trends among elite teams in the NBA, MLS, NHL, MLB. These are “must have” solutions for any performance staff in the world of elite sports we are living in. Moving forward we expect this trend to continue among NFL teams.
Growing number of NFL teams building their own AMS platforms due to own IT/dev staff and better internal flexibility
Based on our conversations with NFL teams at the NFL Combine, it also became clear that a growing number of NFL teams are building their own AMS platform. Why? Because those NFL teams figured that (1) it would cost them more money in the end to ask an AMS platform vendor to keep customizing their AMS platform to meet their needs (2) A lot of NFL teams have large dev/IT teams at their disposal (2) NFL teams want to be able to combine into one unified performance data (HR, GPS, sleep, data) with scouting data. That’s not something that most AMS platforms are able to provide via their AMS platforms to NFL teams. For those reasons we expect more NFL teams to follow suit and build their own AMS platforms. That being said we expect many NFL teams to continue to adopt third party AMS solutions.
Pricing, scientific evidence and the quality of the startups’ management team matter to NFL teams when adopting new performance technologies.
Another key trend that we identified at the NFL Combine, based on our conversation with NFL teams, is that affordability and flexible pricing, along with scientific based evidence (studies), matter to a growing number of NFL teams when adopting new performance technologies. We see a similar trends in North America (NBA, MLS, MLB) and Europe as well. Why? Because a lot of sports tech startups make big claims in terms of what their performance tech products can do, so NFL teams want to make sure that their products are backed by solid scientific evidence before bringing those solutions in house.
AI is becoming omnipresent in the NFL
NFL teams are leveraging AI-driven technology to enhance performance training, injury prevention, and recovery strategies. AI analyzes biomechanical data, GPS tracking, and wearable sensor metrics to detect injury risks and optimize training loads. Platforms like ActionApps, Orreco, Sparta Science, predict soft tissue injuries, while Whoop, Catapult, and Second Spectrum track workload and fatigue. AI-powered motion analysis and VR training systems such as STRIVR and Cognilize help players refine techniques and improve decision-making through game simulations. Additionally, computer vision and machine learning provide real-time insights for film study and cognitive training.
AI also plays a critical role in recovery and rehabilitation, monitoring movement patterns during rehab and optimizing recovery through wearables like Normatec and Hyperice. AI is also being used in AI based cognitive training systems such as The Quick Board and Skillcourt. Sleep and hydration tracking tools, such as Oura Ring, WHOOP, and MX3, provide personalized recovery plans by assessing sleep quality, hydration levels, and nutrition needs. AI-powered dietary programs track caloric intake and metabolic rates, ensuring optimal fueling for performance. By integrating AI across training, recovery, and injury prevention, NFL teams maximize player health, longevity, and competitive performance on the field.
Growing interest towards mental health and cognitive training systems
In the past 2 years mental health and how to improve the mental toughness and cognitive response of athletes, have become a hot topic among NFL teams. So it was not a surprise to us to see a number of vendors in this area such as cognitive training vendor The QuickBoard, Skillcourt or Cognilize. We expect to see more NFL teams gravitating towards those types of solutions in order to make their NFL players stronger mentally and with a better cognitive response.
Many sports tech startups were present at the 2025 NFL Combine
We came across a number of sports tech startups at the 2025 NFL Combine. There was a great energy with a good variety of startups. Of note, this list is not a full list of all the startups that were present at the NFL Combine.
Here is the full list of some sports tech startups that we came across there:
AMS vendors: ActionApps
Motion capture analysis: DARI Motion
Cooling therapy: Khuler
Lifestyle brand using technologies: PREGAMEⓇ
Concussion assessment & prevention: Kinmetrix
Biomechanics assessment tools: Ai.io
Sauna equipment: RelaxSaunas
Audio infrastructure: EDGE Sound Research
Resistance training equipment: FLOunleashed
Digital motorized strength training equipment: Beyond Power
Whole-body vibration training equipment: Power Plate
Sports performance (speed) testing equipment: SWIFT Performance
Strength training equipment: Eleiko
Hydration assessment tool: MaxPlay
Sports Tracking system: Sportable.
Isometric strength training system: ActivBody
Laser 4 therapy equipment: Summus Medical Laser
Cognitive training: The Quick Board, Skillcourt , AIQ
BioCentric Lighting: BrainLit.
While all these startups had interesting technologies, here are the startups that caught our attention and that we decided to profile in this recap. If you are a startup and we did not profile you, feel free to reach out to us at julien@upsideglobal.co. thank you.
1. Kinmetrix
Company: Kinmetrix
Founded: 2014
HQ: Greater Sudbury, Ontario (Canada)
Website: https://www.kinmetrix.com
Customers / partners: Primarily targets athletes and sports organizations (NFL, NCAA, NHL..) across various levels.
Company/product description: Kinmetrix is a sports technology company that develops advanced strength measurement and training devices for athletes. Their flagship product, the Kinmetrix Arc, is a first-of-its-kind digital device that uses robotics, sensors, and real-time analytics to measure and strengthen the neck across key movement patterns. Designed for professional and elite athletes, the Kinmetrix Arc provides iso-kinetic and iso-metric resistance, delivering detailed performance Metrics and insights that offer a new level of visibility into neck strength—helping reduce the risk of injury and optimize performance.
Picture: Kinmetrix Arc
Key features include:
Precision sensors for accurate measurement.
Robotic resistance for controlled strengthening.
360-degree range of motion capabilities.
Iso-kinetic and iso-metric exercise options.
Designed to improve athlete safety, and performance.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
Here is the podcast interview we did with Kim Brouzes, Kinmetrix CEO:
2. The Quick Board:
Company: The Quick Board, LLC
Founded: 2008
HQ: Based in Memphis, USA.
Website: https://www.thequickboard.com/
Customers / partners: Currently being used by half of NBA teams (NY Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavs, Denver Nuggets..), a quarter of the NFL teams, Johns Hopkins, and other top healthcare institutions.
Company/product description: The QuickBoard is a cognitive-motor training technology that provides a suite of capabilities, including cognitive tasks, a validated Agility Rating assessment that recommends training protocols based on deficits, and rehab protocols designed by Kevin Wilk.
QuickBoard's methodology promotes external focus and dual-tasking, which enhances performance, neuroplasticity, and transferability to sports. Scientific studies have proven that QuickBoard significantly increases agility and balance and accelerates rehab outcomes. QuickBoard functions as your assistant by automating treatments and data analysis via progress reports.
Here is the podcast interview we did with Kevin Martin, The Quick Board CEO:
3. Sportable:
Company: Sportable Technologies Ltd.
Founded: 2014
HQ: London, England, United Kingdom. Specifically at StoneX Stadium, Hendon, London.
Website: https://www.sportable.com/
Customers / partners: Professional sports teams and leagues, particularly in rugby, Sports agencies and training companies.
Company/product description: Sportable develops advanced tracking technology for ball sports, providing detailed performance data and insights. Their technology utilizes a smart rugby ball and player tracking systems to capture precise data on ball trajectory, player movement, and other key performance metrics. The company focuses on providing a turnkey solution for teams and leagues seeking to enhance performance analysis and player development.
Key features include:
3D ball tracking.
Automated performance metric analysis.
Data-driven insights for coaches and players.
They provide technology that can be used in: Rugby Union, Rugby League, Football., Australian Rules football.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
4. FLOunleashed:
Company: FLO Technology Inc. (doing business as FLOunleashed)
Founded: 2017
HQ: Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Website: https://flounleashed.com/
Total employees: Specific employee count is not readily available.
Customers / partners: Targets athletes of all levels, from professionals to amateurs. Aims to partner with professional and collegiate sports organizations. Also targets the direct to consumer market.
Company/product description: FLOunleashed develops a 360-degree speed and agility resistance training system. Their primary product is a system that allows athletes to train with resistance in all directions, replicating real-game movements. The system utilizes a harness and resistance bands to provide multidirectional resistance.
Key features and benefits include:
360-degree resistance training.
Enhanced muscle engagement and stability.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation applications.
Improved speed and agility.
They are also working on sensor technology to provide data insights.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
5. ActionApps:
Company: ActionApps
Founded: 2020
HQ: United Kingdom.
Website: https://actionapps.co.uk/
Company/product description: ActionApps provides an all-in-one athlete management solution (AMS). Their platform is designed to help sports organizations manage athlete data, enhance performance, and streamline operations.
Key features include:
Sports science data integration and analytics.
Electronic medical records (EMR) for injury tracking.
Talent evaluation and player development tools.
Operational management capabilities.
Secure data storage.
Customizable analytics.
They focus on providing a system that allows organizations to own their own data.
They utilize AI to help explore the data.
They are backed by Microsoft, and their systems utilize Microsoft technologies.
Customers / partners: Sports organizations worldwide (MLS, NFL, NBA..)
Here is a video that explains how their AI assistant works:
6. RelaxSaunas:
Company: RelaxSaunas
Founded: TBD
HQ: USA
Website: https://relaxsaunas.com/
Company/product description: RelaxSaunas specializes in providing high-quality infrared saunas for personal and professional use. They offer a range of sauna models designed for detoxification, relaxation, and overall wellness
Key features include:
Low EMF infrared technology.
High-quality wood construction.
Various sizes and configurations.
Focus on therapeutic benefits.
Customers / partners: Individual consumers, wellness centers. Spas, athletes.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
7. AI.io:
Company: AI.io
Founded: TBD
HQ: London (UK)
Website: https://ai.io/
Company/product description:Our core product ecosystem includes:
aiScout: A talent analysis and development platform that will provide teams and organisations the opportunity to reach, engage, analyse, rate, score, trial, develop and scout amateur players from around the world who have access to a mobile phone. The platform consists of a player app, scout app and recruitment control center. The aiScout player app is available for download at Google Play & Apple’s app store.
aiLabs: Multi-use elite performance labs that house state-of-the-art technology and gold standard equipment that provide professional and amateur players and club staff real time physical and cognitive analysis, usable insights and outcomes and connected data.
Customers / partners: Chelsea fc (EPL), Intel, MLS.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
Insert video here
8. PREGAMEⓇ:
Company: PREGAMEⓇ (getpregame.com)
Founded: 2013
HQ: Fishers, Indiana
Website: https://getpregame.com/
Company/product description: PREGAME is a lifestyle brand developing advanced technology to optimize athletic warmup routines. It aims to enhance athletes’ performance by shifting the focus from reactive recovery to proactive preparation by creating better warmup solutions. PREGAME is committed to developing products that inspire confidence and motivate athletes to make warmup an integral part of their pre-game ritual.
PREGAME’s flagship product will launch by the end of 2025.
Key aspects of their approach include:
An emphasis on utilizing sports technology to enhance warmup effectiveness.
Designing at the intersection of tech and fashion to create premium, sleek products that integrate naturally into athletes’ pre-game rituals rather than bulky clinical equipment.
Curating products that athletes actually want to use and inspire confidence, unlock potential, allow self-expression, and set the stage for peak performance.
A belief that warmup rituals deserve better solutions and can be enhanced by community when people have a space to share and enhance their personal routines.
Customers / partners: PREGAME’s flagship product is designed for two core audiences: professional athletes whose bodies are their livelihood, and 'movers’—people who make fitness a consistent part of their lifestyle, working out 3-4 times a week.
Throughout its rigorous product design and testing process, PREGAME has already partnered with elite industry experts, including sports medicine surgeons, professors, the LA Dodgers' VP of Player Performance, collegiate athletic trainers and coaches, athleisure and footwear design leaders, and medical device technologists.
Here is a video explaining how PREGAME works:
9.BrainLit:
Founded: 2012
HQ: Lund, Skane County, Sweden, and New York, NY (USA)
Website: https://www.brainlit.com
Customers / partners: Teams across NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL NASCAR, English Premier League, Canadian Premier League. Select partnerships include the Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Flyers, Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia Phillies with many more in design and development.
Company/product description: BrainLit is a health technology company that leverages its patented Biocentric light platform to deliver significant measurable health, well-being and performance improvements including jet-lag mitigation.
With Biocentric lighting, indoor environments are enhanced to help players, coaches, and staff entrain their bodies to their natural circadian rhythm to avoid sleep disruption. The platform is future-proof exceeding ISO standard 8995-1:2025 and allows for patented recipe development to tailored to an organization’s requirements whether it be pre-game focus/energy, post-game decompression/relaxation, and jetlag mitigation. The Brainlit platform can be implemented as a floor lamp (Alven, see photos) or full enterprise-wide facilities enhancement (Elven, see photos)
More focus and energy during the day, better sleep, and recovery at night create a passive advantage for organizations seeking better health, wellness, and performance. Brainlit can offer different tests/pilots for organizations to evaluate the power of Biocentric light.
Here is a explains how Biocentric light works in sports:
10. EdgeSound Research:
Company: EDGE Sound Research
HQ: Riverside, California, USA.
Website: https://edgesoundresearch.com/
Company/product description: EDGE Sound Research develops intelligent audio infrastructure, including their patented Embodied Sound® technology, which transforms ordinary objects into sound objects you can both hear and feel. Additionally, their Virtual Sound Engine automates audio production workflows for next-generation content in broadcasting.
Key features include:
Automated audio production workflows.
Immersive audio experiences.
Focus on delivering tactile sound.
Applications in live entertainment, gaming, and training.
Customers / partners: Live entertainment venues, broadcasters, theme parks and post-production studios.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
11. Eleiko:
Company: Eleiko
Founded: 1957
HQ: Halmstad, Halmstad
Website: https://eleiko.com/
Company/product description: Eleiko is a Swedish company renowned for manufacturing premium strength training equipment, particularly high-quality barbells and weight plates, used in professional weightlifting and powerlifting competitions worldwide. Originating as a household appliance producer, Eleiko shifted its focus in 1957 to creating durable, precision-engineered strength equipment. Today, they serve a global market of professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and commercial gyms, and are a leading supplier to international weightlifting and powerlifting federations, while also providing educational resources within the strength training field.
Customers / partners: Athletes, coaches, sports teams, researchers.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
12. PowerPlate:
Company: Power Plate
Founded: 1999
HQ: Northbrook, Illinois
Website: https://powerplate.com/
Company/product description: Power Plate manufactures and distributes whole-body vibration training equipment. Their products are designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and recovery.
Key features include:
Vibration technology.
Various models for different needs.
Applications in fitness, wellness, and rehabilitation.
Focus on accelerated training results.
Customers / partners: Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, healthcare professionals, fitness centers.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
13. Beyond Power:
Founded: 2020
HQ: Irvine, California
Website: https://www.beyond-power.com/
Customers / partners: Pro teams (NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, WNBA, Premier league…)
Company/product description: Beyond Power is a sports technology company that develops advanced training equipment, notably the VOLTRA I, a handheld direct drive cable trainer, to enhance athletic performance. By focusing on precise muscle engagement and eccentric contractions, they provide tools for professional athletes and training facilities to build explosive power, optimize recovery, and improve overall resilience, revolutionizing strength training through innovative technology.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
14. SWIFT Performance:
Company: SWIFT Performance
Founded: 1994
HQ: Northbrook, Illinois
Website: https://swiftperformance.com.au/
Company/product description: SWIFT Performance develops and manufactures sports performance testing equipment, they provide technology for measuring speed, power, and agility.
Key features include:
Timing gates and sprint testing systems.
Force plates and power analysis tools.
Data analysis software.
Focus on accurate and reliable performance measurement.
Customers / partners: Sports teams (MLB, NFL, NCAA..), pro rugby (NZ All Blacks)
Here is a video that explains how it works:
15. Skillcourt:
Company: Skillcourt
Founded: TBD
HQ: Schweinfurt, Bavaria (Germany)
Website: https://skillcourt.com/
Company/product description: Skillcourt offers interactive training systems designed to enhance athletic performance and cognitive skills. Their products utilize a combination of light-based targets, sensor technology, and software to create engaging and challenging drills. These drills focus on improving reaction time, speed, agility, coordination, and decision-making, often incorporating elements of gamification to motivate users. Skillcourt systems are used by athletes, coaches, and trainers across various sports to provide data-driven insights and personalized training programs. Essentially, they offer a high-tech, interactive approach to sports training and skill development.
Customers / partners: Currently working with 4 MLS teams, the LA chargers (NFL), Angels FC (USWL), the Bayern Munich, Manchester United, etc.
Here is the interview we did with Skillcourt CEO:
16. Khuler:
Fompany: Khuler
Founded: 2023
HQ: Philadelphia (USA)
Website: https://khuler.com/
Company/product description: Khuler develops wearable cooling technology. Their products are designed to regulate body temperature during physical activity.
Key features include:
Wearable cooling devices.
Temperature control technology.
Applications in sports, outdoor activities, and healthcare.
Focus on performance and comfort.
Customers / partners: Athletes, outdoor workers, individuals with heat sensitivity
Here is a video that explains how it works:
17. AIQ:
Company: AIQ (Athletic Intelligence Quotient)
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Detroit Michigan (USA)
Website: https://aiq.team/
Company/Product Description: AIQ is the leading cognitive assessment tool used by teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and more to measure an Athlete’s Intelligent Quotient. Teams rely on this data during the pre-draft/scouting process, player development, and system integration. AIQ is rooted in science, backed by multiple peer-reviewed journals, and the only tool that gives teams a detailed understanding of their players’ intelligence. Their assessment offers insights into athletes' game awareness, processing speed, anticipation, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and more.
Key Features Include:
Talent Evaluation: Identifies athletes' cognitive strengths to ensure alignment with team systems and informed decision-making.
Player Development: Offers tailored development plans to maximize athletes' potential based on cognitive assessments.
Analytics Integration: Incorporates cognitive intelligence metrics into performance models, providing a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing success.
AIQ+: Brand new, groundbreaking AI platform built to help teams compare players, develop cognitive scouting reports, and receive real time coaching strategies & tips.
Customers/Partners: Professional & collegiate sports teams across major leagues utilize AIQ's services to enhance talent scouting and player development processes.
Here is a video that explains how AIQ+ works:
18. Summus Medical Laser:
Company: Summus Medical Laser
Founded: 2004
Headquarters: Franklin, Tennessee, USA
Website: https://summuslaser.com/
Company/Product Description: Summus Medical Laser develops and manufactures Class IV laser therapy devices utilized across medical, dental, and veterinary fields. These devices deliver specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce therapeutic effects, aiming to support the body's natural recovery processes, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation.
Key Features Include:
Advanced Laser Technology: Utilizes specific red and near-infrared wavelengths to induce therapeutic effects.
Non-Invasive Treatment: Offers a non-surgical solution for clinicians to treat pain, reduce inflammation, and aid healing.
Versatile Applications: Designed for use in medical, dental, and veterinary practices.
Patient-Centric Design: Focused on improving patient outcomes by providing effective and comfortable treatment options.
Customers/Partners: Medical professionals, dental practitioners, veterinarians, and healthcare providers seeking advanced therapeutic laser solutions.
Here is a video that explains how it works:
19.ActivBody:
Company: ActivBody
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: San Diego, CA
Website: https://activbody.com/
Company/Product Description: ActivBody focuses on developing portable and connected fitness devices, primarily the Activ5. Their product is an isometric strength training system designed to allow users to perform effective workouts virtually anywhere. The Activ5 device, paired with a mobile app, guides users through short, low-impact exercises that utilize isometric contractions. This approach allows for strength training without traditional weights or equipment, making it ideal for travel, home workouts, and rehabilitation. The system provides personalized feedback, tracks progress, and offers a variety of workout programs.
Customers/Partners: General consumers, fitness enthusiasts, rehabilitation patients, and corporate wellness programs.
Here is a video of the product:
Bottom line: NFL teams are some of most advanced teams in the world when it comes to new technologies. The NFL is a very competitive league so teams have to be out in front when it comes to innovation. This is an important part of their overall goal aiming at helping them win more games, and increase the training, recovery of their players. More forward we expect NFL teams to continue to seek for cutting edge technologies in order to get an edge on the competition.
Best,
You may also like:
