The object
Steven Madey co-developed WaveCel, a collapsible cellular liner fitted into helmets to manage both rotational and linear impacts. The physical insert gave bicycle-helmet makers a distinct engineered structure beyond foam alone, bringing an orthopedic surgeon and biomechanical engineer's long-running injury-prevention work into commercial safety products.
What Steven did
Co-founded WaveCel with Michael Bottlang and helped develop its collapsible cellular helmet liner for impact-energy management.
Why it matters
WaveCel's cellular structure was adopted in manufactured helmets, and NIH-backed commercialization reported substantially lower modeled concussion risk than a standard foam helmet.
Living-status check
A December 2024 helmet-industry report identifies Madey as WaveCel's co-founder, positive evidence he was alive and connected to the product in 2024.