Concussions are a major problem in modern-day sports, from head-to-head tackles in football to players making all-star headers on the soccer field.

After more than three years of research and development, Washington State startup Vicis is ready to take the issue head on with its new line of impact-reduction helmets and headgear slated to undergo real-world testing this spring.

Taking a page from car bumper innovations, the company has designed a new multi-layered helmet with crush zones that absorb most of the impact.

The vast majority of the top 25 college football teams will take the new helmet for a spin during spring practice, including the University of Alabama and the University of Washington. Ten NFL teams have also signed on to try out the helmets in offseason training.

Read more about the new helmets in the Puget Sound Business Journal.