Could a Smartphone App Detect Concussions?

(Image courtesy of Brightlamp LLC)

A tech startup founded by Purdue University students wants to put real time concussion-detection tools in the hands of smartphone users. Brightlamp LLC says the technology that serves as the basis of its new app has been around for years, but never in an easily accessible form. Co-founder Jonathan Holt says early testing suggests Collide could potentially be more accurate than an MRI. During an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Holt said the goal is to make it available to anyone, not just coaches, trainers and medical professionals.

The app uses the phone’s built-in camera to measure the pupil’s reaction to the phone’s built-in light. The screening data is calculated in the app and Brightlamp LLC says early indications suggest Collide could be 98 percent accurate. Testing with high school football teams in the Lafayette area will continue through next year. Holt and co-founder Kurtis Sluss are targeting next year for a public release. "We just got word back that the utility patent is going to be expedited for us. Hopefully we’ll hear back from the patent office close to May 2017," Sluss said.

The idea for the app was sparked by Sluss and Holt’s participation in the 2015 Greater Lafayette Startup Weekend, which is hosted by MatchBOX Coworking Studio in Lafayette.

Brightlamp is working to release two app versions: one for storing athlete data for regular testing and one for individual uses. The company is seeking investors and collaborators as testing continues. Holt says the technology could have wider applications, including detecting signs of autism.

You can connect to more about the company and the technology by clicking here.