Under Armour and Notre Dame Announce 10-Year Research Partnership for Innovation and Sustainability

A historic collaboration will integrate sportswear innovation with advanced academic research to benefit athletes and the environment.

Partnership Overview

Under Armour and the University of Notre Dame have announced a groundbreaking 10-year research partnership aimed at accelerating innovation across multiple scientific and athletic disciplines.

This collaboration empowers Notre Dame’s faculty, researchers, and students to work alongside Under Armour’s experts, addressing real-world challenges related to materials science, environmental sustainability, human performance, and product development.

Driving Research with Indigenous Expertise and Athletic Testing

Jeffrey F. Rhoads, Notre Dame’s Vice President for Research, highlighted the evolution of the partnership:
“Notre Dame and Under Armour already have a long-standing partnership focused on shaping elite athletes. We are thrilled this collaboration now advances research excellence, shaping the next generation of scientific, engineering, and business innovators.”

The partnership will build upon Notre Dame’s expertise in materials and environmental science, with a focus on recyclable, biodegradable, and low-impact fabrics and polymers. Investigations will include garment degradation effects and advanced polymer research.

Importantly, student-athlete health and performance testing protocols will serve to evaluate Under Armour’s prototype products under real athletic conditions, tailoring innovations to the demands faced by Notre Dame’s elite sportspeople.

Computational Innovation and Industry Expertise

The cooperative effort also leverages Notre Dame’s strengths in computation and predictive modeling to provide deeper insights and enhanced product development capabilities.

Under Armour’s engagement expands educational and career opportunities for students through internships, research roles, and employment tied closely to this collaboration.

Sustainability and Performance

Kyle Blakely, Under Armour’s Senior Vice President of Innovation, Development, and Testing, stated:
“At Under Armour, innovation is integral to creating products that give athletes a competitive edge while upholding sustainability. Partnering with Notre Dame brings together our cutting-edge performance technologies and their world-class research to develop products that not only enhance athletic performance but also protect the planet.”

Strengthening Internal Collaboration

The agreement strengthens connections between Notre Dame Research and Notre Dame Athletics, building on recent Human Performance & Wellness Research Grants that support pioneering projects on habit, health, and well-being.

John Wagle, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance at Notre Dame, remarked:
“This partnership adds industry expertise to a strong foundation, elevating our ability to translate laboratory breakthroughs to the playing field.”

This decade-spanning partnership embodies a vibrant fusion of sport, science, sustainability, and education, promising to shape the future of superior athletic gear and elite researcher development.

Author Profile

Alyssa J. Mann: Alyssa Jade is a international fashion stylist and trend reporter based in Vancouver, Canada. Renowned for her versatile and expansive portfolio, Alyssa has collaborated with a diverse array of professionals, including athletes, political figures, television hosts, and business leaders. Her styling expertise extends across commercial campaigns, fashion editorials, music videos, television productions, fashion shows, and bridal fashion.