Las Vegas, NV – October 23, 2024: The UNLV Sports Innovation Institute (SII) has taken a major step forward in advancing the study of sports performance and innovation in ways that will benefit both athletes and the broader Las Vegas community, thanks to a generous donation from Kaptyn, a leading transportation technology company. Kaptyn has donated a sprinter-type van to serve as the mobile unit for SII’s SPEED (Sports Performance, Education, and Economic Development) Lab.
The SPEED Lab is a mobile facility designed to deliver real-time sport science demonstrations, conduct field research, and engage the community in educational programs aimed at promoting pathways to sports-related careers. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the SPEED Lab is an essential part of SII’s mission to foster innovation in the growing Las Vegas sports industry. Faculty and staff from various UNLV departments, including Athletics and Public Health, will collaborate with the SPEED Lab to enhance their research and outreach efforts.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support an amazing local business partner who is pushing Sports Innovation forward. As a former college athlete and now a proud Las Vegas business owner, anytime we can collaborate on initiatives to help our youth is a win for us.” says Kaptyn Founder and CEO, Andrew Meyers.
“This donation highlights the vital role that community partnerships play in our mission. The SPEED Lab’s mobility means we can connect with underserved communities across the region, providing them with access to cutting-edge sports science and career opportunities that may have been out of reach before. We are deeply grateful for Kaptyn’s support in helping us make this vision a reality,” added UNLV Sports Innovation Institute’s COO, Jay Vickers.
Kapytn’s donation of a sprinter-type van will allow the SPEED Lab to be fully mobile, traveling to K-12 schools, community organizations, and sports events across diverse socio-economic regions. The vehicle will be outfitted with advanced portable equipment, including metabolic carts, telemetry heart rate monitors, 3D motion capture technology, and smart garments for tracking muscle activity and body composition.
The SPEED Lab’s mobility allows UNLV students to gain practical training while collaborating with community organizations and local sports entities like the Vegas Golden Knights, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. These collaborations support research and product development, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for sport innovation across the Las Vegas Valley.
“As the Director of the SPEED Lab, I am passionate about training the next generation of sport scientists. The SPEED Lab allows us to engage directly with athletes and community members, providing sport science insights that benefit them right now while also generating new knowledge that will shape the future of sport performance. This initiative represents a powerful tool in advancing sport science, not only in Las Vegas, but on a broader scale, as we contribute to research and education in the field for years to come,” said Dr. John Mercer, the Institute’s Director of Sport Science.
About the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute
Through a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and relentless pursuit of innovation, the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute is committed to shaping the future of sports in the world’s greatest sports and entertainment laboratory, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and inspiration for generations to come.
For more information on the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and the SPEED Lab, visit [https://sportsinnovation.unlv.edu/programs-data/speed-sports-performance-education-economic-development-lab/].
About Kaptyn
Kaptyn has built industry leading transportation technology that connects professionally-trained drivers to passengers looking for a ride that’s better for the planet, for drivers, and for you. Kaptyn’s brand new fleet of premium electric vehicles are safe, clean, and always on time. Our employee drivers are trained to focus on your ride and your safety, not the next one. So you can sit back and enjoy the journey.