PROTECT3D

In 2019, after a Duke University quarterback suffered an injury, student-athletes Kevin Gehsmann, Clark Bulleit, and Tim Skapek recognized that available braces and protective devices were generic and poorly suited to his recovery. They asked a simple question: what if protective gear could be truly custom-fit? That idea became PROTECT3D, a company built to deliver fully customized protective devices through 3D printing. 

Non-dilutive funding played a critical role in PROTECT3D’s growth, including early grant awards from Duke and NC IDEA.  The company then partnered with EGC for support in preparing and submitting a successful $1.3M DoW Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract. With this funding came increased complexity and strict federal compliance requirements, and so PROTECT3D engaged EGC for comprehensive accounting and financial management, providing effective contract oversight, compliance, and a solid financial infrastructure for continued growth. 

PROTECT3D has since expanded rapidly, now supporting more than 100 professional teams across the NCAA, NFL, WNBA, NBA, and NHL, while growing into healthcare and military applications. 

In recognition of its innovation and impact, PROTECT3D was named the recipient of EGC’s 2025 North Carolina Innovation Award, marking another milestone as the company continues to redefine recovery and performance through personalized technology.