A Comprehensive Business Model for the TayCo Ankle Brace

Student: Alexandra Dawson, 2016-2017

Ankle injuries are the most common form of injury among college athletes, especially football players, accounting for nearly 15% of all injuries. Despite the rising rates of injuries, ankle braces have not seen many changes to help combat this problem. The TayCo Brace is an over-the-shoe ankle brace solution that provides added support by resisting inversion and eversion of the ankle joint while still allowing mobility for plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Moreover, the TayCo Brace is more comfortable than a traditional in-shoe brace. It can be worn with orthotics and does not compromise the fit of the shoe. The TayCo Brace has been used by Notre Dame football players since 2012. My role will be to create a comprehensive business model for the product, including determining other customer segments we can reach. For example, the application of an over-the-shoe brace may be useful for a construction worker who has been injured on the job. The TayCo Brace would be able to fit over the construction boot, unlike traditional braces, to allow for added support and protection so the worker can continue to do his job while ensuring that his injury does not get worse.