Mario R. Mercado Jr.

Mario R. Mercado Jr., a former NCAA Division I wrestler turned entrepreneur, has redefined protective gear in combat sports through his company BATS-TOI and the groundbreaking Mercado series. Drawing from his competitive experience and a vision for advanced safety, Mercado transformed traditional wrestling headgear into a high-tech, multisport helmet, incorporating computational design, 3D printing, and impact-sensing technology. His innovations address not only cauliflower ear but also concussions, marking a new era in athlete protection.

Wrestling Background and Competitive Achievements

Mercado wrestled for Syracuse University in the mid-1990s (letterwinner 1995-1997), competing in one of the nation's demanding programs. His time on the mat exposed him to the sport's physical toll, fueling a lifelong commitment to improvement. After college, he continued in wrestling with the prestigious New York Athletic Club and later coached, including roles training successful MMA fighters like Renzo Gracie and serving as assistant wrestling coach at NYU.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Founding of BATS-TOI

While pursuing a graduate degree in sports management at NYU Tandon School of Engineering around 2012, Mercado began rethinking wrestling headgear. Frustrated by outdated designs that offered limited protection beyond the ears, he collaborated with engineering professors to develop a superior alternative. In 2016, he founded BATS-TOI (French for "fight"), launching the company after winning NYU's startup competition and securing recognition from the university's entrepreneurial incubator.Mercado's drive stemmed from personal experience: as a wrestler, he recognized how traditional gear failed to mitigate modern concerns like concussions in high-impact training. His goal was to create a "smart" helmet versatile for wrestling, BJJ, MMA, and beyond—safer, more comfortable, and technologically advanced.

High-Tech Innovation: The Mercado Series and Patents

Mercado's flagship creation, The Mercado (named after himself), evolved through multiple versions, each pushing boundaries with patented technologies:

• Original Mercado (2016): Introduced a two-tier cable strapping system for custom fit, extended coverage beyond ears, and elastomeric polymers for impact absorption. Won NYU awards and early acclaim for reimagining headgear.

• Mercado III (~2018-2020): Upgraded with computational design for optimized protection and comfort.

• Mercado V (2020s): Incorporated AI/computational modeling and enhanced ventilation.

• Mercado 5 (M5, 2022-2025): The pinnacle—patented impact material structure, HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing for lightweight customization, full-head coverage, and built-in sensors (in variants) for concussion tracking. Made in USA/Italy, it became the official NFHS wrestling headgear (2022 multi-year partnership, renewed/expanded by 2025).

Mercado holds several utility and design patents for these advancements, focusing on innovative foams, strapping, and smart features. Partnerships like with ABCorp (2022) enabled mass 3D-printed production, reducing weight and costs while scaling accessibility.

Legacy and Honors

Mercado's work earned BATS-TOI accolades like International Sports Tech Start-Up of the Year and features in Forbes, SI, and NYU engineering spotlights. As CEO, he continues expanding The Mercado into multisport applications, advocating for brain safety in combat sports.Mario R. Mercado Jr.'s path—from Syracuse wrestler to tech-driven inventor—embodies innovation born from experience. His high-tech Mercado series not only elevates protection but redefines what headgear can achieve, ensuring athletes compete fiercely while safeguarding their futures.