2019: The meeting
At the end of a discussion at the end of the school of their children Jérôme (polyamputé) and Benjamin (Engineer at Airbus) understand that together they can launch an exciting project. Jérôme’s problem is to improve accessibility to sport for people with disabilities. Benjamin launches the project via Airbus Humanity Lab and offers it to engineering students from IMT Mines Albi. The 6 students of Mines decide to analyze the needs, conduct workshops with specialists to define a first axis to work. Running is a complex subject for people with lower limb amputations. The cost of a blade, between €4,000 and €8,000, not refunded, does not allow people to equip themselves.
December 2019: The first prototypes
The idea behind the project was to use the ends of the rolls of the composite materials normally used by Airbus thrown away, and to shape them into recycled and more accessible prostheses. Students size the blade on software and then make the prototyping at the school laboratory.
February 2020: Partners and Incubation
The first two prototypes allow students to win the jury’s “favourite” award at the Mines’ovactions show. Proud of this achievement, they decide to continue in their free time to develop adapted and accessible solutions, and bring together different partners to continue developing the project. Airbus, Salomon, EDF, Decathlon, 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, I-Run and the Occitanie region join the movement. The technology incubator of IMT Mines Albi and the Institut Clément Ader decide to accompany them in their approach.
February 2021: First full-size test
February 13, 2021 was the first day of blade testing on their land in Albi, southern France. Fifteen people were able to test the blade. For the first time since his amputation Hugo could run! An emotional moment that crowns more than a year of work on their free time to develop the product.
March 2021: LISA becomes HOPPER®
The project initially named LISA “Innovative Accessible Sport Blade” becomes HOPPER®. A more global, unifying project based on strong values. HOPPER® comes from “Hopper grass”, the grasshopper in English, a person who personifies agility and nature. The student project becomes a social and solidarity economy company, founded by the entire initial team, with a common goal: to make sport and mobility accessible to all around the world. Their first solution: the accessible running blade that will be available in spring 2022 in France and Europe.
September 2021: Project 3000
From 19 to 64 years old, 6 different stories and 6 different profiles took on an incredible challenge. The ascent of a summit at 3000m in the Alps, equipped with Hopper sports blades.
November 2021: Test day in Montpellier
From 8 to 68 years old, 20 people wanted to try our blade. A real pleasure to see all these smiles. Our team will travel all over France in the coming months to meet those who want to discover the Hopper blade!
April 2022 : They join the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab Officially !
IF WE design a multipurpose prosthesis using carbon waste from the industry, can we enable more amputee people to practice sport again ?
More details about Hopper
