The US Department of Defense kicks off ChemBio suit Design Challenge

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Aug 23, 2016

The US Military is in search of new suit that can protect America’s troops against chemical and biological attacks. The Department of Defense is holding a Design Challenge to find the best new ChemBio suit. The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, a division within the US Department of Defense, is hosting a Proof: ChemBio Suit Design Challenge and will pay up to $150,000 to help redesign the suit.

 
The current chemical biological suit is heavy, bulky, limits the wearer’s agility, range of motion and maneuverability and it adds heat stress on physically active tasks. The new ChemBio suit is expected to allow mobility, dexterity and tactility as well as heat management, a cooling system, and seamless integration between suit components all while protecting the wearer against chemical and biological attacks.
 
The Proof challenge consists of a 10-week idea submission period followed by a two-week round of refinement. Up to three finalists will win between $50,000 and $150,000; three runners-up will win up to $25,000 each; and up to five small prize contest winners will receive up to $5,000 each. The competition judges include Douglas Bryce of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense; Dr. Matthew Trexler, Director of Technology Validation of Under Armour; Mark Sunderland, CEO of Boathouse; and Dave Strum, President of Velocity Systems.

On August 25, the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense will hold an event at the Museum of Science in Boston to introduce the competition and troops that will explain how the current ChemBio suit needs to be improved.
 
In addition to the main design challenge, Proof will include side contests that will award creativity, collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking. Each submission will be selected based on evaluation and scores as well as for inspiring the future and drawing the highest quality social engagement.
 
Submissions for the Proof: ChemBio Suit Design Challenge are open through October 29, 2016 and the winners will be announced in January 2017.