YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown has been selected for the National Football League Helmet Challenge symposium, a $3 million contest to find who can build a better helmet to protect players from head traumatic injuries, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Howland, said.

The symposium will take place Nov. 13 to 15.

“As the home of America Makes, the Youngstown Business Incubator and Youngstown State University, our city is at the forefront of innovation and technology and has become the world-leader in the field of 3-D printing and advanced manufacturing,” Ryan said in a statement. “These technologies will be critical in increasing the safety of our athletes.

“I have to believe that the NFL would not have made the decision to come to Youngstown if it wasn’t for the amazing work being done at American Makes, and I am proud to have been able to help secure the federal funds needed to open up this innovative institute,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work together to keep our community on the cutting edge of these technologies.”

Youngstown’s innovation hub is home to America Makes and the YBI.

In 2012, Ryan secured an $85 million public-private partnership investment to create the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, now known as America Makes. It helps accelerate and innovate additive manufacturing and 3-D printing.

YBI supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, while promoting innovative technology and long-term sustainable employment opportunities-with a focus on information technology and advanced manufacturing.