DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2024

In the ongoing battle against cardiovascular disease and stroke, two of the leading threats to American lives, exciting technological breakthroughs are emerging. In response to a critical need for innovative solutions that empower Americans to better manage their health, the American Heart Association Center for Health Technology & Innovation has crowned Powerful Medical from New York as the champion of its prestigious annual Health Tech Competition during Scientific Sessions 2024. Notably, the company also claimed victory in the Science subcategory, while San Mateo's HekaHeart snagged the top honors in the Business category.

For over a century, the American Heart Association (AHA) has dedicated itself to promoting health and longevity. The Health Tech Competition serves as a launchpad for promising healthcare technology startups, drawing attention to groundbreaking innovations that could dramatically improve heart and brain health outcomes. The AHA aims to bridge the gap between science and real-world application, facilitating better diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular issues affecting millions.

Star Jones, a lawyer, TV personality, and national volunteer for the AHA, shared her personal journey through heart surgery, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare technology that transcends race, income, and geography. "It’s vital that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has access to world-class care. This innovation plays a pivotal role in achieving that goal," said Jones.

Among the frontrunners in the competition, Powerful Medical’s focus on integrating artificial intelligence with cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment set it apart. "Our primary goal is to enhance heart attack diagnostics, which is currently the leading cause of death," stated Martin Herman, CEO of Powerful Medical. "However, this is just the beginning of our mission." Judges appreciated the innovative platform for its scientific rigor, prototype validity, and demonstrated potential to positively impact patient outcomes.

Showcased live from November 16-18 in Chicago, the Health Tech Competition has received significant financial support from the Laerdal Million Lives Fund. Finalists presented various solutions addressing critical health issues, including heart failure and pulmonary embolism, and Powerful Medical emerged victorious thanks to its comprehensive health impact and robust business model.

HekaHeart, the winner of the Business category, operates as a guideline-directed medical therapy-led heart failure clinic. It shines in optimizing virtual medical visits, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing clinician burdens through enhanced medication optimization and management strategies.

Both Powerful Medical and HekaHeart will enjoy membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network, a consortium dedicated to promoting advancements in cardiovascular and brain health. This membership will provide them invaluable access to evidence-based guidelines, facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and healthcare providers.

As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial, it continues to lead the charge in promoting equitable health solutions for all. The innovations emerging from competitions like this one signal a promising future in which technology could make significant strides toward treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases on a global scale.

Stay tuned and join the fight for better heart health!