University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center Invests in Sports Apparel Technology to Reduce the Risk of Ankle Injury, the Most Common in Athletes

CLEVELAND, Ohio- Ankle injuries account for nearly half of all sports related injuries. Many of these injuries can be attributed to loose or improper footwear. University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center is investing in apparel technology company BRCĒ to expand athlete access to shoelaces that will enhance protection and performance.

“BRCĒ (pronounced brace) shoelaces are the primary anchor between your foot and your footwear. They control how your foot sits, moves, absorbs force, and responds to the ground,” said Madhav Aggarwal, BRCĒ CEO. “Traditional shoelaces rely on basic friction, which decreases with sweat, heat, motion and time. The more you move, the looser they get.”

That’s why traditional laces come untied and ankles feel unstable after as little as 20 minutes of activity, Aggarwal said. It’s why athletes have to tie their shoes on the field or court during games, and why workers double-knot just to get through a shift.

Protected by a U.S. patent, BRCĒ shoelaces introduce engineered micro-ridge structures - think microscopic scales - woven throughout the lace fibers. When the lace is tied and tension is applied, these microscopic ridges interlock with one another, creating a mechanical grip that holds up under motion, sweat, pressure and force.

“When laces loosen or break, we see an increased chance of injury that can keep an athlete off the field or court,” said James Voos, MD, the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Executive Director of the Haslam Sports Innovation Center. “We are excited to announce this collaboration and new technology that incorporates safety, function and fashion.”

BRCĒ developers Tanvi Gadamsetti and Aggarwal, both engineering students at Michigan State University, were introduced to UH Drusinsky sports medicine physicians in 2025 at UH SportsLand, an event that convenes thought leaders, industry experts and innovators to explore the intersections of sports, technology and healthcare. BRCĒ was the recipient of funding for initial development after placing in the event’s pitch competition.

The company is now ready to market its product.

“Partnering with UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center gives us valuable feedback on product efficacy and the foundation to expand our product line to NFL teams,” said Gadamsetti, BRCĒ COO. “We look forward to putting BRCĒ laces on the shoes of athletes of all ages and ability - helping them perform at the highest level.”

University Hospitals serves as the Medical Provider of the Cleveland Browns. The UH Haslam Sports Innovation Center opened in 2023 as a catalyst to improve performance, reduce injury risk and promote healing for stronger, healthier athletes. The Haslam Center was developed thanks to a visionary $20 million gift from Dee and Jimmy Haslam, with the goal of identifying, supporting and investing in the world’s best sports medicine innovations.