Armourgel

Armourgel (now operating as RHEON Labs) is a materials science company specializing in energy-absorbing technology for healthcare and sports. Spun out from Imperial College London by Dr. Dan Plant, the company developed a proprietary shear-thickening polymer with an auxetic geometry that remains flexible during normal use but hardens instantly upon impact. Its primary medical application is a thin, wearable hip protector designed to prevent fractures in elderly and osteoporotic patients, a project supported by the NHS and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The technology is also widely used in high-performance sports equipment, such as helmets and body armor, to mitigate linear and rotational impact forces. The company's innovations have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship.