Dublin-based startup Sports Impact Technologies has raised €650,000 in Pre-Seed funding to roll out its behind-the-ear wearable device that detects potentially dangerous head impacts in real time, aiming to address the widespread issue of undetected concussions in sport.
The round was led by private investors and supported by Enterprise Ireland through its High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) programme. The funding will support the final stages of product development and enable the launch of beta testing with athletes this September, according to the company.
Founded in 2022 by Eóin Tuohy, Sports Impact Technologies is developing a lightweight sensor that sits discreetly behind the ear. The device monitors head accelerations during gameplay and transmits data and alerts via an app to coaches, medics, or officials. The goal is to allow informed, immediate decisions about whether a player should be removed from play to be assessed for a concussion.
While concussion awareness has grown across professional and amateur sports in recent years, the challenge of detecting concussions in real time — particularly at lower levels of play — remains significant. Many athletes continue to play through symptoms, often unknowingly, risking long-term neurological harm.
“It is estimated that between 5 and 10 percent of players experience a concussion in any given sports season, with 5 in 10 concussions going unreported or undetected leading to players experiencing long-term health implications,” said Eóin Tuohy, CEO and founder of Sports Impact Technologies.
“Using our smart sensor technology to monitor head impacts in real-time, our goal is to make unrecognised concussions a thing of the past protecting athletes, optimising their performance, and enabling participation.”
The beta phase will include pilots across a wide range of sports - including rugby, American football, soccer, hockey, and GAA - and is scheduled to begin in September 2025. The startup aims for a full commercial launch in early 2026.
“We’re thrilled to have closed this funding round with the backing of both private investors and Enterprise Ireland,” Tuohy added. “The investment will support the final stages of product development and help us bring our beta wearable to market.”
Sports Impact Technologies previously participated in Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme at TU Dublin, secured €100,000 in Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) financing, and is a client of the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC). In 2024, the company also won the ‘Best New Start’ award at the Connacht and Leinster regional final of the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.
Enterprise Ireland, which has supported the venture from its early stages, sees the startup as part of a growing wave of Irish companies addressing global markets with specialised hardware and deep-tech solutions.
“Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Sports Impact Technologies through our High-Potential Start-Up funding,” said Keith Brock, Senior Client Advisor, Enterprise Ireland.
“This investment reflects our commitment to backing innovative Irish companies that are solving real-world challenges with global relevance. The team’s wearable sensor technology is a game-changer for athlete safety, and we’re excited to support their journey as they bring this product to market.”
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