Impact engineering · 3D metamaterials

Redesigning
impact energy
absorption.

3D-printed auxetic metamaterials that protect where traditional materials fail. Born from scientific research and validated with real accident data.

Cellmets helmet with 3D-printed auxetic structure
3D AUXETIC METAMATERIAL
01 — About us

Innovation built from real data.

Cellmets is a spin-off of Politecnico di Milano and Università di Milano-Bicocca. We combine real-accident analysis, advanced biomechanics and additive manufacturing to design the next generation of energy absorption systems.

Starting with the helmet, we have developed impact-absorption solutions engineered around the real dynamics of trauma, with the concrete goal of improving brain protection: a solution that combines advanced modelling and additive manufacturing to optimise the impact response under realistic conditions.

CELLMETS technology is designed to extend beyond the helmet, with applications in sports protection, occupational safety, and any sector where managing impacts and vibrations is critical.

METAMATERIAL · IN MOTION
02 — What we do

A premium protection, made accessible.

Manufacturers keep their design, we deliver the innovation that makes the difference where it really matters: in impact absorption.

Inside view of the Cellmets helmet — auxetic structure
A proprietary methodology

Metamaterials engineered to absorb energy in a controlled and adaptive way.

CELLMETS has developed a proprietary methodology to design metamaterials capable of absorbing mechanical energy (impacts, shocks, vibrations) more efficiently than traditional solutions.

This technology enables 3D-printed modular structures, optimised to respond in a controlled and adaptive way to any load condition, of arbitrary complexity.

In this way, the foam layer can be replaced by metamaterial blocks, fully parameterisable in terms of density and mechanical strength, opening up new frontiers in performance, customisation and design.

03 — Technology

Auxetic metamaterials: the science behind impact.

Microstructures engineered to absorb loads beyond the reach of conventional foams. The higher the load, the higher the absorption.

Inside view of the Cellmets helmet with auxetic metamaterial Auxetic lattice · 3D printed
Engineered for real impacts

A structure that doesn't break — it compresses, recovers, reabsorbs.

Unlike EPS, which shatters on the first impact, our metamaterials tolerate multiple impacts without compromising performance. A crucial property in real accidents, where impacts are rarely isolated.

  • Resists without shattering, even after impact
  • Tolerates multiple impacts while preserving geometry
  • Negative Poisson's ratio: densifies under load
  • Designed through innovative computational methodologies
  • Built on already-validated additive manufacturing processes, ready for industrialisation
−74%
Brain injury risk reduction
Validated in impact testing with a leading industry player.
Possible geometries
One scientific platform, infinite configurations and applications.
3D
Custom 3D printed
Modular structures optimised to integrate into existing designs without retooling.
04 — News & Press

What people say about us.

The most recent milestones, told by the media and ecosystems that have followed our journey.

05 — Team

The team.

Engineers and researchers who grew up in the labs of Politecnico di Milano, supported by surgeons from Niguarda Hospital in Milan and by the PoliHub ecosystem. A multidisciplinary team with expertise in biomechanics, advanced materials, additive manufacturing and business development.

Cellmets sul palco di Startup Lombardia 2025
Startup Days 2025 · Milan
On stage telling the story of the next generation of helmets.
Scientific & Medical Advisors

Our advisors.

Supported by
06 — Contact

Let's build the future of safety, together.

Are you a helmet or PPE manufacturer? An investor? An industrial partner? Get in touch, we'll get back to you as soon as possible.