DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2024 – Cardiovascular disease and stroke remain leading causes of death globally, including in the United States, where they claim more lives than any other disease. Recognizing the urgent need for advancements in healthcare technology, the American Heart Association (AHA) Center for Health Technology & Innovation has announced the five finalists for its 7th annual Health Tech Competition.
This competition serves as a dynamic platform for healthcare technology start-ups to present their innovative solutions aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and stroke. For over a century, the AHA has been dedicated to improving health outcomes and driving technological breakthroughs that can transform patient care. The organization supports the competition financially through the Laerdal Million Lives Fund and produces it directly.
Finalists are tasked with presenting their technologies during the AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2024, a leading global event that features the newest scientific advancements, research, and evidence-based updates in cardiovascular science. The live presentations will be judged by a panel of expert volunteers at McCormick Place in Chicago on November 16-17. The evaluation criteria comprise how well the product works on the market, uses scientific rigor, and improves patient outcomes through innovative technology.
The finalists and their technologies are:
- Flow Medical (Chicago)
- Heka Heart (New York City)
- Powerful Medical (New York City)
- Proton Intelligence (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
- Rheoxtech, Inc. (Chicago)
The competition’s judges are experts in the fields of business and science. Part 1, the business pitch, will be judged by:
- Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, volunteer past president of the American Heart Association (2019-2020) and chair of the American Heart Association’s Health Tech Advisory Group
- Jeff Trost, managing partner at the Laerdal Million Lives Fund
- Ken Nelson, partner at the Med Tech Advantage Fund
- Lee Schwamm, M.D., FAHA, volunteer member of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Expert Panel; senior vice president and chief digital health officer of Yale New Haven Health; and associate dean of digital strategy and transformation at Yale School of Medicine
- Heather Provino, business growth and healthcare specialist at Scanlon Group
- Lisa Suennen, managing partner at American Heart Association Ventures
- Domenico Cianflone, M.D. at Universita Vita Salute, San Raffaele Milano
- Rashmee Shah, M.D., adjunct associate professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine and clinical research scientist at Meta
- Devon Bream, general manager and president at GE Healthcare
Part 2, the science pitch, will be judged by:
- Eric Peterson, M.D., MPH, vice provost and senior associate dean for clinical research at UT Southwestern
- Tiffany Powell-Wiley, M.D., social determinants of obesity and cardiovascular risk at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Mike McConnell, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University
- Alexander J. Blood, M.D., cardiologist, intensivist and clinical researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Asif Ali, M.D., University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
- Marat Fudim, M.D., advanced heart failure specialist at Duke University
- Star Jones, lawyer/TV personality, Divorce Court, and American Heart Association national volunteer
The competition winner, to be announced live on November 17, will be granted membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network. This network connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers, and payers to facilitate collaboration, access resources, and accelerate advancements in healthcare. The Innovators’ Network assists members by building models for clinical outcome studies and providing evidence that digital platforms improve healthcare outcomes. This is a key concern for both providers and payers.
“The Center for Health Technology & Innovation is dedicated to fostering impactful solutions for global health challenges,” stated Harrington. “Through their network, members can collaborate, access valuable resources and accelerate advancements that address critical issues through cutting-edge science and technology.”
About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a tireless force for a world of longer, healthier lives dedicated to equitable health in all communities. The organization is a leading source of health information for a century through collaboration with numerous organizations powered by millions of volunteers supporting innovative research and sharing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization, celebrating its Centennial year in 2024, has a vision to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
