Gamegear Holdings is working with Connectivity to reduce the incidence and long-term impact of concussion. Together we are launching a landmark research trial on the efficacy of the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology (Nodal Impact Attenuation) in reducing the incidence and/or severity of concussion in adult athletes.
RESEARCH CALL
On behalf of Gamegear Holdings (ABN 684 505 600), Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia is pleased to call for proposals to conduct a Trial to evaluate the efficacy of the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology (Nodal Impact Attenuation) in reducing the incidence and/or severity of concussion in adult athletes.
One proposal will be selected to conduct a Project to perform a Trial, with funding provided of $400,000 per annum, for two years, totalling $800,000.
Purpose of the Trial
The Trial must be designed to:
(i) determine whether the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology reduces the incidence of concussion in athletes relative to athletes not wearing a helmet, and
(ii) determine whether the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology reduces the severity of symptoms following concussion, relative to athletes not wearing a helmet.
The Project to perform the Trial must include the following required components:
- Assessments of male and female adult and possibly school age athletes in elite and semi-professional leagues in multiple sports including but not limited to NRL, AFL and Rugby Union. The successful Project must include a range of cohorts of athletes in the study design.
- Power analysis that indicates that the Trial will be powered with adequate numbers of participants to achieve the purpose of the Trial.
- A clear and accepted definition of concussion that will enable applicability of the findings across multiple sports and activities.
- Pragmatic outcome measures that are readily applicable in the general population as well as suitable and feasible for the large scale of the Trial.
- A report or draft publication delivered within the two-year timeframe that describes the findings, and the limitations of the data generated.
Proposals will be assessed against the following selection criteria:
- Feasibility of completing the Trial within the designated two-year Project term.
- Inclusion of the required components of the Trial (as outlined above).
- Excellence of study design including (i) aims that will meet the purpose of the Trial (ii) appropriate control cohort/s, and (iii) outcome measures that have the capacity to clearly demonstrate real-world efficacy of the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology, in line with the purpose of the Trial.
- Clear study plan with milestones designed to demonstrate progression and achievement of project aims, including clear plans for mitigation should challenges arise.
- Clear budget for funding expenditure which enables delivery of the Trial outcomes within the timeline of funding.
- Likelihood of meeting the Purpose of the Trial.
- The track record of the researcher team in delivering outcomes for Projects of a similar nature.
ASSESSMENT AND TIMELINES
Proposals will be assessed by an independent Expert Panel, who will assess against the defined selection criteria.
Proposals are due at 5pm AWST, Friday 10th October 2025. Funding outcomes will be announced in November 2025, and it is anticipated that the Project will start shortly thereafter, with recruitment commencing in early 2026.
Reporting requirements for the successful applicant conducting the Project will be managed by Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia. Second year funding will be contingent upon an annual report describing successful delivery of the milestones for year one outlined in the proposal.
OTHER INFORMATION
Access to Gamegear Headgear for trial:
Gamegear Holdings will work with the successful applicant for access to the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology for use during the Trial. Applicants are to factor in the rotation of helmets amongst users to achieve the required outcomes.
300 helmets will be supplied to the successful applicant in February 2026. Further helmets will be made available if required, at the discretion of Gamegear.
Additional information on the Gamegear Headgear using NIA technology can be found on the last page of the grant call application document below.
Use of external concussion sensors:
Given the cost and practical considerations of incorporating external impact sensors for all athletes, this requirement is no longer necessary. Applicants may use external impact sensors for some or all participants if desired. The allocated budget is not to include purchase of impact sensors.
FAQs
Q: Can the timeline be extended? A: The two-year timeline for the trial cannot be extended. The outcome of the trial will be announced very early in November 2025, with funding provided shortly thereafter, leaving time for the ethics application to be prepared before year-end and submitted early in the new year. It is anticipated that multiple cohorts from various sports will facilitate rolling recruitment throughout the trial’s timeline.
Q: Can the trial include one sport, but multiple cohorts of athletes who play that sport? A: It is a requirement of the trial that more than one sport, and multiple cohorts of athletes who play those sports. It is preferred that both AFL and rugby codes are included in the trial design.
GAMEGEAR GRANT CALL SUBMISSION
Click here to view or download the Gamegear Grant Call Application Document. Items in this document outlines the information you’ll need for submission. There is no need to fill out this document as a separate item – you will need to input the detail during the submission process below.
Deadline for submission is 5pm AWST, Friday 10th October 2025.
Ready to submit your proposal?
Clicking below will take you to the submission portal. Please ensure you have all content ready to import and upload prior to submitting.
Please click here to upload documents
Further questions? Please email Connectivity.
Page updated: Thursday 18th September 2025