A major Australian research initiative is set to push forward global understanding of brain injury, with Monash University selecting HITIQ’s PROTEQT™ instrumented mouthguard technology for a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project.

The $799,866 grant will fund a study that aims to define the thresholds at which repeated head impacts cause brain injury – a question that has long challenged both scientists and sports medicine professionals.

Groundbreaking Research to Define Brain Injury Risk

The Monash University-led project, titled “Combining biomechanics and biomarkers to establish brain injury thresholds,” will integrate real-time biomechanical head impact data from HITIQ’s PROTEQT™ mouthguards with advanced biomarker analysis. The goal: to move beyond symptom-based concussion assessment toward biologically grounded measures of injury risk.

The research has already confirmed HITIQ’s PROTEQT™ system as the preferred mouthguard platform, with Monash University committing to purchase 400 units in January 2026 for $200,000.

Earl Eddings, Executive Chair of HITIQ, said the selection underscores the company’s growing scientific credibility.

“We’re extremely proud that Monash University has selected PROTEQT™ technology for this prestigious ARC Discovery Project,” he said.

He added that the partnership reflects the company’s role in a critical scientific effort that could reshape concussion understanding worldwide.

“This partnership validates our technology’s scientific capabilities and positions HITIQ at the forefront of research that will shape global understanding of head impact exposure and brain injury risk.”

Driving Evidence-Based Concussion Protocols

The ARC Discovery Programme is among Australia’s most competitive funding schemes, awarded through international peer review to projects that demonstrate high scientific merit. The Monash University study is expected to help define global return-to-play protocols, guide helmet standards, and influence injury prevention strategies across sports, defence, and transport sectors.

Dr Stuart McDonald, Chief Investigator at Monash University, said the project builds on previous collaborations using HITIQ’s mouthguards in community Australian football.

“By combining high-fidelity PROTEQT™ head impact data with advanced computational models of brain strain and highly sensitive blood-based markers of brain injury, we aim to move beyond simple acceleration cut-offs towards biologically grounded thresholds for when a single head impact is likely to injure the brain,” he said.

Dr McDonald said the outcomes could influence how risk is managed in any activity involving repeated impacts.

“We expect this work to sharpen our ability to identify high-risk impacts, guide future helmet testing standards in sport, defence and transport settings, and ultimately support safer participation in activities where head impacts are common.”

Commercial and Clinical Significance

While the pre-committed $200,000 order represents a direct commercial benefit, the wider implications for HITIQ could be far greater. Independent validation of its technology through ARC-funded research enhances its clinical credibility and supports pathways for regulatory approval and global adoption.

Eddings said the project contributes to the company’s long-term strategy.

“Beyond the immediate commercial benefit, this partnership establishes crucial clinical evidence that supports our regulatory pathways and demonstrates PROTEQT™’s value to the international research community.”

Technology at the Centre of Athlete Safety

HITIQ’s PROTEQT™ platform delivers real-time head impact data through an instrumented mouthguard linked to an analytics system. Developed in collaboration with Shock Doctor, it builds on the company’s Nexus technology already used in elite Australian sporting leagues.

Through projects like the ARC Discovery Programme, HITIQ is strengthening its position within a fast-evolving field where the demand for evidence-based concussion management tools continues to grow.

Positioning HITIQ for Future Growth

By aligning its technology with world-leading academic research, HITIQ is gaining both revenue and reputational value. The Monash University partnership adds to its growing network of global university collaborations – each contributing to the body of evidence supporting clinical and regulatory adoption.

If successful, the Monash University study could help set international benchmarks for concussion risk, validating PROTEQT™ as a trusted platform for athlete safety and scientific research.