American Heart Association Announces Finalists in Health Tech Competition to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced five finalists for its 7th annual Health Tech Competition, showcasing innovative technologies aimed at transforming heart and brain health outcomes. The competition, supported by the Laerdal Million Lives Fund, seeks to accelerate advancements in healthcare technology to bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and daily habits in managing cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with high blood pressure, obesity, and other risk factors contributing to its prevalence. The AHA's Center for Health Technology & Innovation organized this competition to foster technological solutions that can significantly impact patient treatment and solve pervasive problems across various cardiovascular specialties.

The five finalists, hailing from different parts of North America, will present their innovations during the AHA's Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. The competing companies are Flow Medical (Chicago), Heka Heart (San Mateo, California), Powerful Medical (New York City), Proton Intelligence (Vancouver, Canada), and Rheoxtech, Inc. (Chicago). These startups will showcase their technologies before a panel of expert judges, including prominent figures in cardiology, healthcare innovation, and business.

The competition's evaluation criteria focus on three key areas: validity of the product or prototype, scientific rigor in validation research, and the potential impact on patient outcomes through innovative technology. The presentations will be divided into two parts – a business pitch and a science pitch – each assessed by separate panels of judges with expertise in their respective fields.

The winner of the competition will receive membership in the AHA's Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators' Network. This consortium provides a unique platform for collaboration among entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, researchers, and payers. Members gain access to the AHA's digital guidelines, recommendations, and cutting-edge science, enabling them to develop and validate their digital healthcare technologies more effectively.

Dr. Robert A. Harrington, past president of the AHA and chair of the Health Tech Advisory Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "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 represents a significant step in the AHA's ongoing efforts to combat cardiovascular disease through technological innovation. By bringing together diverse expertise and fostering collaboration, the AHA aims to catalyze the development of solutions that can make a real difference in patients' lives. The winner, to be announced on November 17, will join a prestigious network poised to shape the future of cardiovascular care through digital health technologies.

As the AHA enters its centennial year in 2024, this competition underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere. By driving innovation in health technology, the AHA continues its mission as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, addressing the urgent need for improved cardiovascular health outcomes on a global scale.