Imagine a world where cutting-edge healthcare technology sits on the shelf, unable to reach the people who desperately need it. Heart disease and stroke, the grim reapers of our time, claim more lives than anything else (https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000001303). But here’s the good news: The American Heart Association (AHA), a tireless champion for global health, is on a mission to bridge this innovation gap. They've just announced the finalists for their 8th annual Health Tech Competition, a showcase of brilliance designed to revolutionize heart and brain health.
This isn't just another competition; it's a lifeline for groundbreaking ideas. The Health Tech Competition serves as a dynamic platform where healthcare technology companies unveil their solutions aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular ailments. We're talking about tackling high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and a whole host of related conditions that impact millions worldwide.
This year's chosen five finalists will showcase their technologies at the Health Innovation Pavilion during Scientific Sessions 2025, the AHA's premier global event that highlights the latest breakthroughs in cardiovascular science. Get ready to meet the innovators:
Brainomix (Oxford, England): Picture this: AI-powered software acting as a super-efficient assistant to doctors, dramatically improving stroke diagnosis and treatment decisions. Early stroke detection is critical, and Brainomix is poised to make a significant impact.
Cambrian Health (San Francisco): Cambrian Health is developing an AI-driven platform which ensures that clinical best practices are followed seamlessly at the point of care. This could mean clinicians have embedded assistance at their fingertips, ensuring that every patient receives the best treatment possible, every single time.
Lumia (Boston): For individuals battling orthostatic intolerance and chronic blood flow disorders, Lumia offers hope in the form of wearable solutions. These devices promise to provide real-time data and support, potentially improving quality of life for those who struggle with these debilitating conditions.
Noah Labs (Berlin): Prepare to be amazed by Noah Labs, who are transforming the human voice into a digital biomarker. This allows for earlier detection and intervention for cardiometabolic diseases. Imagine a simple voice recording providing clues about your heart health!
PolyVascular (Houston, Texas): PolyVascular is developing minimally invasive solutions for children born with congenital heart disease. Their goal? To reduce, or even eliminate, the need for repeated open-heart surgeries. This could revolutionize pediatric cardiology, offering a less traumatic path to a healthy heart for our youngest patients.
The grand finale takes place live at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on November 8th and 9th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT.
So, what makes these innovations stand out? Finalists will be judged based on three core criteria:
Validity: Is the product or prototype actually working in the real world? How are customers responding? The more successful the product is in the market, the better.
Scientific Rigor: Is the validation research built on solid, evidence-based health research? This criterion ensures that the innovations are not just clever ideas, but are also grounded in sound science.
Impact: Does the technology genuinely improve patient outcomes? This is the ultimate measure of success. Does it make a real difference in people's lives?
A panel of distinguished expert volunteer judges, including leading physicians, venture capitalists, and even a TV personality, will scrutinize the business and science presentations. Here's a glimpse of the impressive lineup: Eric D. Peterson, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA; Lee Shapiro, J.D.; Lisa Suennen; Ken Nelson; Craig Beam; Tim Benner; Henry Peck; Star Jones; Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., FAHA; Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA; Michael V. McConnell, M.D., MSEE; Asif Ali, M.D.; Jessica Golbus, M.D., M.S., FAHA; Ashoo Tandon, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAP, FACC; Dave Albert, M.D.; and Daniel Cantillon, M.D.
The winner, to be announced live in New Orleans on November 9th, will receive a coveted membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network. This isn't just an award; it's a gateway to a powerful consortium connecting entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, researchers, and payers, all working together to advance cardiovascular and brain health.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that access to such a network should be more widely available to all deserving innovators, not just the winner. What do you think?
The Innovators’ Network offers incredible opportunities: building models for clinical outcome studies (significantly reducing costs), connecting science to technology, and providing evidence that digital platforms truly improve healthcare outcomes. This is especially crucial for gaining the trust of providers and payers.
And this is the part most people miss... Members also gain access to the American Heart Association's digital, evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations, ensuring their technologies are built on the strongest possible foundation.
Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, emphasizes the Center for Health Technology & Innovation's goal: "to advance the rapid, efficient, and effective development of healthcare technology." He adds that joining the Innovators’ Network allows members to “leverage the consortium and work toward broadening and deepening their engagement in this arena.”
Want to dive deeper? Explore the Health Tech competition at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025 (https://ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025/).
It's important to note that the American Heart Association receives the majority of its funding from individuals, foundations, and estates, ensuring its independence. While corporations, including pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, also contribute, strict policies are in place to prevent any undue influence on scientific content and policy positions. For more information on the AHA's financials, visit https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.
For further reading, check out these resources:
- American Heart Association news release: NY AI medical company wins global health tech competition at Scientific Sessions 2024 (https://newsroom.heart.org/news/ny-ai-medical-company-wins-global-health-tech-competition-at-scientific-sessions-2024)
- American Heart Association news release: 5 health technology start-ups finalists in global heart disease solution competition (https://newsroom.heart.org/news/5-health-technology-start-ups-finalists-in-global-heart-disease-solution-competition)
- Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews (https://x.com/HeartNews)
The American Heart Association is a driving force for a world where everyone lives longer and healthier. With a commitment to equitable health, the AHA has been a trusted source of health information for over a century. Supported by a global network of over 35 million volunteers, they fund groundbreaking research, advocate for public health, and provide vital resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. Connect with them and learn more at heart.org (http://www.heart.org/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AmericanHeart), X (https://x.com/American_Heart), or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Now, let's open the floor for discussion. Do you believe competitions like this are the best way to foster innovation in healthcare? Are there alternative approaches we should be exploring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
