The Impakt Beanie
Hidden head protection that saves lives with style. Skaters don’t want to be seen in helmets, so we created the first discrete head protection
Stylish & Convient
Made to look like any other beanie on the market and is just as flexible and compact.
Prevent TBI
The use of ShockteckR military technology can prevent lifelong head trauma.
The Problem
Each year, there are over 6,000 Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s) in the US alone. These injuries are life threatening, and often result in permanent brain damage. While many of these injuries are preventable through use of a helmet, under 5% of skateboarders choose to wear helmets when skating.
The fundamental problem is that traditional, bulky helmets don’t fit with skate culture; which centers around style, a rebellious attitude, and the confrontation of danger. Wearing a big, goofy helmet clashes with all three of these.
I started Impakt Beanies in 2021 to create an alternative to the traditional helmet. The impakt beanie serves as a discrete protective beanie that skaters can wear without standing out. It looks just like a regular beanie, but the inside layer contains an impact absorbing material that will cushion a fall to the head, and potentially be the difference between a life changing TBI and mild injury.
> 5,000
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
In the US alone Per Year
88%
Skate Related Deaths
Caused directly by TBI
> 26%
TBI victims
Stage full mental recoveries
> 64%
TBI victims
Under the age of 24
< 5%
Wear Helmets
At time of injury
How It was made
Design Process
01
Ideation
Advised by numerous material science and creative professionals, I created many design concepts to create the protective and stylish beanie I imagined.
02
Prototyping
Created high fidelity prototypes using dozens of different materials, testing for protection and feasibility in each design.
03
Testing
Once final designs were created, beanies were sent to local skaters for testing and feedback.
Activity
Funding and Competitions
I entered several student entrepreneurship competitions and gained funding to support my ongoing R&D and refine my designs.
New Venture Seed Competition
$7,500 Concept Prize Winner
Funded through the USC Lyod Grief Center. Compteted against ~300 teams and chosen as 1 of the 12 semifinalists. Awarded the first place concept prize, for the most promising idea in an early stage.
Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards
LA Chapter Winner
Ran by LA Entrupenuer’s Organization; awarded first place at LA chapter competition and sent to compete nationally Nation EO competition in Chicago
SEP Demo Day
Demo Day Winner
USC entrepreneur organization and accelerator; awarded first place in my semester of startups.