The American Heart Association's Center for Health Technology & Innovation has revealed the five finalists for its 7th annual Health Tech Competition, aiming to accelerate healthcare technology advances and address the global challenge of cardiovascular disease. This competition serves as a platform for healthcare technology startups to present innovative solutions for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke, which remain leading causes of death worldwide. The finalists, selected from a pool of applicants, represent a diverse range of technological approaches to tackle pressing issues in cardiovascular health.
The competing companies are Flow Medical from Chicago, Heka Heart based in San Mateo, California, Powerful Medical from New York City, Proton Intelligence from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Rheoxtech, Inc. from Chicago. These startups will showcase their technologies during the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024, a premier global forum for the exchange of cutting-edge cardiovascular science and clinical practice updates. The final presentations are scheduled for November 16-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago, where the finalists will pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges in the Health Innovation Pavilion.
The competition is designed to address a critical need in healthcare: bridging the gap between clinical recommendations and daily habits that affect cardiovascular health. With high blood pressure, obesity, and other risk factors contributing significantly to heart disease and stroke rates, there is an urgent demand for technological solutions that can improve patient outcomes and support treatment adherence. Judges will evaluate the presentations based on three key criteria: validity of the product or prototype, scientific rigor of the validation research, and the potential impact on patient outcomes through innovative technology.
The competition is structured in two parts, featuring both business and science pitches, each assessed by a panel of experts in their respective fields. The judging panels include prominent figures in healthcare, technology, and cardiovascular research. Notable judges include Robert A. Harrington, M.D., past president of the American Heart Association, and experts from institutions such as Yale School of Medicine, UT Southwestern, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The winner of the competition will be announced on November 17 and will receive membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators' Network.
This consortium connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers, and payers, offering valuable collaboration opportunities and access to the American Heart Association's digital guidelines and recommendations. Dr. Harrington emphasized the importance of the competition, stating that the Center for Health Technology & Innovation is dedicated to fostering impactful solutions for global health challenges. Through their network, members can collaborate, access valuable resources and accelerate advancements that address critical issues through cutting-edge science and technology. This competition highlights the American Heart Association's commitment to driving innovation in cardiovascular health.
By fostering the development of new technologies, the organization aims to transform patient care and improve outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke. The Health Tech Competition serves as a catalyst for bringing groundbreaking ideas to the forefront of healthcare, potentially shaping the future of cardiovascular medicine and prevention strategies. The initiative represents a strategic approach to leveraging technology to combat cardiovascular diseases that claim millions of lives annually, addressing both treatment and prevention through innovative digital solutions that can be integrated into clinical practice and daily life.
