Northeastern student creates 'next generation' sports drink

Northeastern student creates ‘next generation' sports drink

April 19, 2016

When Lamar Letts, DMSB'17, experienced a life-changing medical condition in high school he decided to make a change in both his health and the health of athletes everywhere with the creation of Hylux, a sports drink fusion of vitamins, electrolytes and less sugar than its major competitors.

Lamar Letts, DMSB'17, hopes to change the typical sports drink taste, and health benefits, with the development of Hylux, a hydrating alternative to other athletic drinks on the market. Available as vitamin-enhanced water, with flavors like, berry mix, strawberry kiwi, and lemon lime, Hylux has all-natural ingredients and high levels of potassium.

Created with competitors in mind, it has more electrolytes than VitaminWater and less sugar than Gatorade, highlighting a health-centric focus for the serious athlete. Hylux is currently being sold in Boston gyms and health clubs such as Republic Fitness and Velo-City, in addition to Northeastern's campus grocery store Wollastons.

Letts received $10,000 in gap funding from Northeastern's student-run venture accelerator, IDEA, assisting in product redesign, public relations and intellectual property challenges.

“IDEA has enabled me to get insight from people in the field while learning a lot about running a business,” says Letts. “I love the competition in the sports drink field and it's definitely where I want to stay.”