Concussion combating start-up scores inaugural Samsung Springboard prize

A start-up that created a high-tech solution to tackle sports concussion, particularly in rugby players, has scored the top prize in the inaugural Samsung Springboard competition, announced last night in Auckland at the final pitching event.

The contest, intended to help New Zealand tech start-ups secure the resources and network introductions to make the leap into global markets, is a partnership between Samsung and The Icehouse (the chief executive of which, Andrew Hamilton, is doing an Ask Me Anything session this afternoon).

CSx’s innovative award-winning concept, which uses an integrated technology platform and sensor for concussion management and monitoring of real time head impact, earned the company a cash prize of $30,000, $10,000 worth of Samsung products, three workshops with incubator Icehouse and introductions to Samsung’s global ventures team.

According to Samsung’s Kenny Yeon, the judges were looking for both original and innovative concepts and business capabilities to support global growth.

“CSx presented a very solid business model,” he says, “and their idea has a unique Kiwi flavour, honing in on a common yet serious issue affecting one of New Zealand’s most loved sports.

“I’m excited to see how CSx will use this opportunity to develop their platform further, expanding out to other professional sport industries overseas and within a wider health setting.”

For his part, CSx chief commercial officer Martin Weekes says his team is thrilled about their achievement and this will help them provide their technology to a broader range of athletes.

“We’re all passionate rugby supporters, so anything we can do to improve safety at a grass root level is a priority for us. If our technology can help save one child’s life on the sports field, than that’s a job well done.

“Hopefully this will also give parents the reassurance to encourage their children to participate in all the sports we grew up with. We need future All Blacks.”

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