Heart disease and stroke: They're the world's top killers, but what if technology could change that? The American Heart Association (AHA) is on a mission, and they've just announced the finalists in their 8th annual Health Tech Competition. This competition is a crucial step in bridging the gap between healthcare innovation and its actual implementation, especially for those battling cardiovascular diseases. Let's dive in!
This year's competition, hosted by the Center for Health Technology & Innovation, showcases cutting-edge solutions designed to prevent and treat conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. The finalists will present their groundbreaking work at the Health Innovation Pavilion during Scientific Sessions 2025, the AHA's premier global event for cardiovascular science.
Here are the five innovative companies vying for the top spot:
- Brainomix (Oxford, England): Harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize stroke diagnosis and treatment.
- Cambrian Health (San Francisco): Building an AI-powered platform to ensure the best clinical practices are followed at every point of care.
- Lumia (Boston): Providing wearable solutions for individuals struggling with orthostatic intolerance and chronic blood flow disorders.
- Noah Labs (Berlin): Transforming voice analysis into a digital biomarker to enable early intervention for cardiometabolic diseases.
- PolyVascular (Houston, Texas): Developing minimally invasive solutions for children with congenital heart disease, potentially reducing the need for multiple open-heart surgeries.
The presentations will take place live at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on November 8–9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT.
The finalists will be judged based on:
- Validity: How effectively is the product working in the market?
- Scientific Rigor: How well does the research back up the product's claims?
- Impact: How much does the product improve patient outcomes?
A distinguished panel of expert judges will evaluate the presentations, including:
- 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.
- Daniel Cantillon, M.D.
The winner, announced live on November 9 in New Orleans, will receive a complimentary membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network. This network connects entrepreneurs, providers, researchers, and payers to accelerate advancements in cardiovascular and brain health. Members collaborate to build clinical outcome studies, connect science with technology, and provide evidence that digital platforms improve healthcare outcomes.
And this is the part most people miss: Innovators’ Network members also gain access to the AHA’s digital evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations, helping them develop effective digital health technologies.
“The Center for Health Technology & Innovation aims to advance the rapid, efficient and effective development of health care technology,” says Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, volunteer past president of the American Heart Association. “Joining the Innovators’ Network gives members the opportunity to leverage the consortium and work toward broadening and deepening their engagement in this arena.”
For more details about the Health Tech competition, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025.
But here's where it gets controversial... The AHA is transparent about its funding, with over 85% of its revenue coming from sources other than corporations. They have strict policies to prevent any influence on their scientific content and policy positions.
What do you think? Are you optimistic about the future of health tech? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
