Houston Medical Technology Company Wins Global Health Tech Competition for Pediatric Heart Innovation

Houston-based PolyVascular was named the overall winner of the American Heart Association's annual Health Tech Competition, earning top honors in the business category at Scientific Sessions 2025. The competition serves as a live forum for health care innovators to present digital solutions for treating or preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke, addressing clinical problems such as heart failure, hypertension, congenital heart defects and other pressing issues in cardiovascular, brain and metabolic health. This recognition comes at a critical time when nearly half of U.S. adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association, highlighting the urgent need for innovative health solutions that reach people where they live, work and play.

The winning company, PolyVascular, is advancing minimally invasive technology to help children with congenital heart disease avoid repeated open-heart surgeries. Their technology features a minimally invasive valve that can be expanded over time to grow with the child, potentially dramatically reducing the need for repeated surgical interventions. This innovation could enable children with congenital heart defects to enjoy healthier, more carefree lives by minimizing the physical and emotional trauma associated with multiple major surgeries throughout childhood.

Henri Justino, M.D., co-founder of PolyVascular, expressed that this honor brings hope to families and children living with congenital heart defects. He emphasized that the American Heart Association plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative care pathways and that their solution aligns with the organization's guidelines and mission. The technology represents a significant advancement in pediatric cardiac care, bringing life-changing technologies to the youngest patients similar to those already available for adults.

Brainomix of Oxford, England was awarded best in the science category for creating AI-powered software to improve stroke diagnosis and treatment decisions. Both winning companies will be invited to join the Association's Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators' Network, a consortium that connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers and payers to share and advance innovation in cardiovascular and brain health. This network provides crucial opportunities for collaboration and scaling innovative solutions across the healthcare ecosystem.

Solutions were evaluated based on three key criteria: validity measuring how well the working prototype or product functions in the market with customers; scientific rigor assessing how well validation research uses evidence-based health research; and impact evaluating the extent to which the product improves patient outcomes through innovative technology. The competition finalists included several innovative companies addressing diverse cardiovascular and neurological challenges, from Lumia delivering wearable solutions for people with orthostatic intolerance to Noah Labs transforming voice into a digital biomarker for earlier intervention in cardiometabolic diseases.

Star Jones, attorney, TV personality and American Heart Association national volunteer who served as one of this year's judges, described the Health Tech Competition as their version of Shark Tank, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that have the potential to transform care. She expressed excitement about seeing science come to life in ways that reach people where they live, work and play, noting that these technologies aren't just promising but poised to make real impact. The competition highlights the growing importance of digital health solutions in addressing the global burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke, particularly as healthcare systems seek more efficient and effective ways to deliver care to diverse populations.

To learn more about the Health Tech competition, visit https://ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025. The recognition of these innovative companies underscores the critical role that technology plays in advancing cardiovascular care and improving patient outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations like children with congenital heart conditions who have historically faced limited treatment options and significant healthcare challenges throughout their development.