An ankle brace that acts as a seat belt, aiming to prevent or limit ankle injuries. A virtual reality training platform for NBA referees. AI-powered technology that can help players improve their shots. A device that can be sewn into clothing that helps measure load and help a player return from injury. A wellness app with science-backed breathing exercises for youth basketball players that help with stamina, calm, sleep, energy and anxiety.
Those are the products the NBA selected for its inaugural Launchpad program, a league initiative aimed at sourcing, evaluating, and piloting emerging technologies that advance the NBA’s top basketball priorities across all levels of the game.
In June, the league unveiled Launchpad, calling on entrepreneurs, startups, academics and health care and workplace professionals to submit products that could improve the game in these areas: innovative ankle injury prevention and recovery; elevating health and wellness in youth basketball; enhancing…