Under Armour launched a new global innovation competition that challenges outside innovators to submit ideas that would expand the capabilities of the brand’s Armour39 digital performance monitoring system. Beginning Monday, the three-phase Armour39 Challenge will culminate in the Under Armour Future Show: Digital in April 2014, where finalists will present their concepts to the brand’s executive team at Under Armour’s global headquarters in Baltimore, MD for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $25,000 or first runner up prize of $10,000.
Launched in March 2013, Armour39 is a first-of-its-kind performance monitoring system that provides a single score WILLpower measurement, which reflects the individual’s overall effort during a workout session. The system also tracks heart rate, calories burned, and intensity. The Armour39 Challenge will be looking for the best minds in engineering and software development who can create and implement product enhancements addressing one or more of the following needs: competitive analysis, exercise identification, cardiac assessment, or other novel ways of using Armour39 that will help make athletes better.
“From the original Under Armour compression T-shirt to our Armour39 digital monitoring system, we always strive to create cutting-edge products that provide real-time performance advantages for athletes. Innovation is an essential part of who we are as a brand, and we are committed to finding the best innovation partners from around the globe.”
Applicants will be required to submit a concept statement and an explanation of their expertise. Applicants are encouraged to also submit a three to five minute video explaining the enhancements and how they would be implemented. Under Armour will then select up to 50 applicants to move on to Phase Two and will send these individuals an Armour39 kit with development software. Phase Two participants will have three months to develop their ideas and submit a written scientific verification report and are encouraged to include a second video that will detail the improvements made. After evaluating Phase Two submissions, Under Armour will choose up to fifteen finalists to participate in Phase Three where they will be invited to present their concepts to Under Armour’s executive team at the Under Armour Future Show: Digital, in April 2014.
For more information or to apply, visit www.armour39challenge.com.
