D3O

About D3O

D3O develops and markets patented, rate-sensitive smart materials for impact protection. The company was founded in 1999 by materials scientists and keen snowboarders Richard Palmer and Philip Green, who sought to create protective gear that was flexible and comfortable without sacrificing safety. Inspired by the non-Newtonian properties of dilatant fluids, which are soft at rest but stiffen upon impact, they developed a composite material by dissolving the fluid into a polyurethane foam precursor. This resulted in a flexible, pliable material that locks together to absorb and dissipate energy during a collision. The company's business model is primarily B2B, operating similarly to Gore-Tex by licensing its technology and partnering with established brands to integrate D3O materials into their products. It does not sell its materials directly to startups or the general public, focusing on pre-agreed projects with brands that align with its market strategy. D3O generates revenue through these licensing partnerships, customized engineering services, and the sale of its own protective gear line, XERGO. The company's first commercial application was in 2006, when the US and Canadian Olympic ski teams used D3O in their race suits. Since then, its market has expanded significantly.D3O serves a diverse client base across numerous sectors, including motorcycle gear, consumer electronics (protective cases), industrial workwear, and military applications like helmet pads and body armor. The firm collaborates with over 200 brands, such as 3M, Scott Sports, and Harley-Davidson. The material portfolio includes various compounds tailored for different uses, such as thin, low-profile versions for electronics and more robust, CE-certified protectors for motorcycle armor. This allows D3O to offer customized solutions that provide enhanced safety and comfort compared to traditional foam padding.