Washington spin-out Vicis secures funding for development of American football helmet aimed at reducing concussions.

Vicis, a spin-out of University of Washington, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the US National Football League (NFL), General Electric and Under Armour. The company is developing a new helmet to prevent brain injuries.

In total, the company has raised $2m to date, with investors including University of Washington, Coulter Foundation, U Fund and Alliance of Angels. It was awarded the latest grant after facing off some 500 other companies. A total of seven winning companies have been selected, with Vicis the only one working on a helmet.

Brain trauma is an increasing problem in American football, where helmets have stayed essentially the same for the past five decades. A new helmet would not solve this problem completely, as players are allowed to choose their own headwear.

The company has not announced yet when it expects the helmet to be available.

Dave Marver, chief executive at Vicis, said: “I just think that in addition to financial support, [the NFL’s decision] is also wonderful validation for technology and company. One of our founders is a paediatric neurosurgeon. He sees kids who are 14 and 15 that he has to retire from contact sports.”