Nike (NKE) launched the Nike Ease Challenge, a $50,000 competition that invites designers, engineers, makers and innovators to advance and reinvent footwear design for athletes of all abilities.
The Nike Ease Challenge calls on a broader community of innovators who share Nike’s commitment to elevate athletes at all levels. The challenge is intended to build upon the advancements of Nike’s innovative designs that help people more easily put on, secure and take off their shoes.
“Nike is driven by a competitive spirit that drives us to do the seemingly impossible for our athletes,” said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO of NIKE Inc. “Today, we are working with others who share our passion for removing barriers through breakthrough innovation. I can’t wait to see what powerful ideas come out of this challenge.”
The challenge is officially open today, with a submission deadline of December 15, 2016. Three finalists will be selected at the end of March 2017 and invited to Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, OR. Finalists will present their designs to a panel of Nike leaders and athletes, with a winner selected in April 2017.
