Chiller Body Integrates with UF Innovate for Global Growth
Chiller Body, a pioneering company in heat stress solutions, has officially joined theUF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub program, located at the University of Florida. Founded by Peter Bowman, Chiller Body is best known for its invention of the Cooling Hat Insert, a revolutionary product aimed at mitigating heat stress encountered in work environments, sports, and outdoor recreation.
Importance of the Cooling Hat Insert
Peter Bowman’s motivation for creating the Cooling Hat Insert stemmed from his personal experiences with heat stress. The insert utilizes an innovative poly-gel material, providing immediate cooling relief by being inserted into hats and helmets. As global temperatures continue to rise, such solutions have transitioned from being optional to essential tools for many.
“I view this partnership with UF Innovate as a monumental move for Chiller Body and our trademark product,” said Bowman. “As a Florida-based company, we can leverage this relationship to not only grow within the U.S. marketplace but also expand our reach internationally, especially in regions affected by increasing temperatures.”
The Program and Its Benefits
The UF Innovate | Accelerate program is well-respected for its ability to foster innovative businesses through top-tier mentorship and access to extensive research and development resources. The focus is on nurturing ideas and turning ventures into successful companies.
Jennifer Harrell, the assistant director at UF Innovate, commented, “Chiller Body is a prime example of the groundbreaking innovation we aim to support. Their product directly addresses a critical issue—heat stress—and embodies the type of problem-solving ethos that drives our entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are thrilled to include them in our thriving community.”
Market Growth and Future Prospects
The functional apparel market is predicted to grow significantly, expected to reach a staggering $556 billion by 2028, with a notable section dedicated to cooling technologies. Alarmingly, heat stress claims over 700 lives annually in the United States, illustrating the pressing need for effective solutions. Occupational heat-related injuries often go underreported, further highlighting the essential nature of functional clothes aimed at cooling individuals across various sectors such as sports, industrial safety, and outdoor activities.
Chiller Body’s acceptance into the UF Innovate program opens doors for strategic partnerships and distribution opportunities as the company gears up for growth-stage funding discussions and employee expansion plans.
For more information about Chiller Body and its innovative products, visit
www.chillerbody.com or reach out via email.
About UF Innovate | Accelerate
The UF Innovate | Accelerate program combines several entrepreneurial support initiatives, including Sid Martin Biotech, a globally recognized biotechnology incubator based in Alachua, Florida, along with the Hub, an award-winning mixed-use innovation incubator located in Gainesville, Florida. The program aims to foster emerging bioscience and technology companies, contributing to North Central Florida's economic growth.
By aligning with UF Innovate, Chiller Body is poised to capitalize on resources that will accelerate its growth and enhance its market presence. This collaboration is not just beneficial for Chiller Body but holds promise for slower-growing sectors impacted by extreme temperatures and heat stress.