ATHENGUARD Takes First Place in the 2025 InNOLEvation® Challenge: A Game-Changer for Concussion Prevention in Sports
ATHENGUARD, a medical technology startup, recently took home the coveted $10,000 first-place prize at the 2025 InNOLEvation® Challenge, solidifying its position as a leader in sports concussion prevention. The competition, held on March 28, 2025, was the 13th annual edition of this prestigious event, organised by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. ATHENGUARD, founded by Saiabhinav “Sai” Devulapalli, a senior in Biomedical Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, impressed judges with its innovative solution to the growing issue of sports-related concussions (SCs) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), both in athletes and workers.
In this article, we’ll dive into how ATHENGUARD emerged as the victor, what makes the product unique, and the significance of this win for the startup and the broader conversation around concussion prevention in sports and the workforce.
What is ATHENGUARD?
ATHENGUARD is a biomedical startup aimed at addressing the widespread issue of sports-related concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The company’s mission is to develop technologies that help protect athletes in high-risk sports, and workers in physically demanding roles, from concussions.
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Concussions in Sports: Concussions are a major concern in contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, and boxing. They can have long-term health consequences, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to brain degeneration in athletes who have sustained repetitive head impacts.
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Concussions in the Workforce: Concussions aren’t confined to sports. Workers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and emergency response are also at risk of TBIs due to falls, accidents, and physical contact.
ATHENGUARD aims to reduce the risk of injury in these high-risk groups with its innovative solutions.
The InNOLEvation® Challenge: An Opportunity for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The InNOLEvation® Challenge is an annual competition designed to help students from all disciplines transform their ideas into viable startups. It’s not just a pitch competition; it’s a full-fledged business model competition where participants are judged on:
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Problem-solving capabilities
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Team building
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Market fit and testing
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Sustainability of the venture
This year, the event featured five finalists who presented their innovative business ideas before a live audience, marking the first time in the challenge’s history that this format was used. Each finalist was asked to pitch their business model, showcase their team’s ability to test assumptions, and present a clear plan for future development.
ATHENGUARD stood out not only because of its innovative solution to a serious health problem but also because of the impact it could have in reducing concussions both in sports and in industries where workers face physical risks daily.
ATHENGUARD’s Journey to Victory
Saiabhinav “Sai” Devulapalli, the founder of ATHENGUARD, shared his excitement about the win, noting how the InNOLEvation® Challenge helped refine his startup and provided him with valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
“The InNOLEvation® Challenge gave me the structure and support to turn a simple idea into a viable startup,” Devulapalli said. “It pushed me to think critically about the real-world impact of my innovation, from customer discovery to long-term sustainability.”
Devulapalli also highlighted the immense value of business strategy in building a successful startup. “The challenge showed me the power of combining passion with business strategy and how students like us can be real changemakers,” he added.
His athletic background combined with his technical skills as a biomedical engineer positioned him perfectly to address the pressing issue of concussions in sports and the workforce. The win at the 2025 InNOLEvation® Challenge provided the startup with the necessary funding and visibility to accelerate its mission and bring its solution to a wider audience.
Other Finalists: A Strong Showing of Innovation
While ATHENGUARD claimed the top spot, there were other impressive startups that made their mark in the competition:
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Genesis Zero by Ameen Babbs (2nd place) – $7,000
Focused on sustainable energy solutions, Genesis Zero impressed the judges with its commitment to environmental change. -
Bebop by Ryan Zambrano and Hugo Davies (3rd place) – $4,000
Bebop offers an innovative music platform that connects artists and fans in new ways. -
YourGuide eXplorer by Hayk Bejanyan and Meri Hovsepyan (4th place) – $2,000
This startup revolutionises travel planning with AI-driven recommendations. -
Job Jumper by Cooper Carty (5th place) – $1,200
A platform aimed at helping job seekers connect with employers more efficiently.
Each of these startups showcased innovative solutions across a range of industries, demonstrating the breadth of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.
Impact of the InNOLEvation® Challenge on Student Entrepreneurs
The InNOLEvation® Challenge is not just a competition but a vital part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The challenge provides students with real-world experience in pitching ideas, building business models, and interacting with seasoned judges and potential investors. It also serves as a launchpad for new ventures, offering startups the exposure and funding needed to grow.
For ATHENGUARD, this competition has been an essential stepping stone. Devulapalli’s participation allowed him to refine his business model, gain feedback from experts, and receive the financial backing needed to take his startup to the next level.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ATHENGUARD
With the $10,000 prize and the momentum gained from the InNOLEvation® Challenge, ATHENGUARD is poised to make significant strides in the realm of sports-related concussion prevention. The startup’s innovative approach to protecting athletes and workers from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on public health, especially as awareness of concussion-related injuries continues to grow.
Conclusion: ATHENGUARD’s Bright Future
Winning the 2025 InNOLEvation® Challenge is just the beginning for ATHENGUARD. As the company continues to develop its technology and expand its reach, it is setting the stage for significant innovation in the concussion prevention space. The startup has already proven its potential to make a real-world impact, and with the support of its recent win, we can expect even greater things to come.
Photo credit: Florida State University News
