Selected startups will advance technology-driven improvements in heart and brain health

DALLAS, June 13, 2024 — The American Heart Association, through its Center for Health Technology and Innovation (the Center), has selected five companies to participate in the American Heart Association Heart and Brain Health Accelerator.

The AHA Heart and Brain Health Accelerator is a track of the larger MedTech Innovator (MTI) Accelerator Program where more than 60 medical technology and digital health companies will have shared access to robust ecosystem of Association volunteer experts, corporate executives, investors, providers, payors, the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and other stakeholders from June to October. Through the Accelerator, the Association – a global force for healthier lives for all – aims to accelerate innovation with the potential to enhance patient outcomes, lower costs and reduce barriers to care.

For 100 hundred years, the American Heart Association has been a catalyst for innovation, driven by our founder’s belief in the transformative power of science and research for those managing heart disease and stroke.

The Center is a part of the American Heart Association’s commitment to spearhead innovation at the nexus of science and technology by transform the landscape of heart and brain health for all people.

The five winning organizations are:

• Acorai AB — Creator of a scalable medical device for non-invasive intracardiac pressure monitoring to improve heart failure management.
• AccurKardia — An ECG-led diagnostics software company whose first product, AccurECG, is FDA-cleared to assist in the analysis of ECGs recorded from holters, event recorders and cardiac telemetry devices.
• iCE Neurosystems — Developer of the first integrated, continuous EEG system for brain monitoring of critically ill patients.
• SmartCardia — Proprietor of a platform and 7-lead ECG patch for cardiology and remote patient monitoring.
• Somnics Health — A medical device company focused on developing innovative technologies for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

The MedTech Innovator Competition Finals will be held at the MedTech Conference on October 15-17, 2024, in Toronto, Canada. Astellas Rx+ is the founding catalyst sponsor of the American Heart Association Heart and Brain Health Accelerator track.

The track, announced on November 11, 2023 at the American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia, will source, evaluate, mentor and boost the visibility of companies with novel medical technologies and devices, health technologies or digital health solutions focused on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment secondary prevention of heart and brain health-related diseases and conditions.

This specialized Heart and Brain Health Accelerator Track, features companies with medical technology and digital health innovation initiatives aligned with the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. The five finalists have specific solutions and applications identified by experts for their potential to positively impact cardiovascular (CV) and brain health outcomes.

The selected health tech companies now also become official members of the MTI accelerator program for this year. In addition will receive additional specialized mentorship, coaching and capacity building customized to their focus on cardiovascular and/or brain conditions and diseases.

The companies were selected by the expert volunteer members of the Advisory Committee to the American Heart Association’s Center for Health Technology and Innovation, and included:

• Robert Harrington, M.D., FAHA, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association (2019-2020), chair of the Association’s Health Tech Advisory Group for the Center and the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean Weill Cornell Medicine and provost for Medical Affairs Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
• Mitchell S. V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, Chief Clinical Science Officer, past volunteer President (2020-2021), American Heart Association
• Alexander J. Blood, MD, MSc, FACC, Cardiologist Mass General Brigham, Boston
• Marat Fudim, MD, MHS, Assistant Professor of Medicine Duke University School of Medicine, Member Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
• Lisa Suennen, GCB.D, Managing Partner, AHA Ventures, Mill Valley, California
• Dr. John Kim, Principal, Aphelion/Cardeation Capital, San Francisco, California
• Heather Provino, Principal Scalon Group, East Greenwich, Rhode Island
• Ken Nelson, MedTech Advantage Fund, Dallas, Texas
• Michael Rennaker, Astellas RX, Seattle, Washington

The American Heart Association and MedTech Innovator expect the Heart and Brain Health Accelerator track to have a three-year life cycle, beginning with the 2024 MTI Accelerator cohort. All early-to mid-stage medical device, diagnostic and digital health companies with solutions focused on heart and brain health that have raised to at least a Series C level in their capital fundraising are encouraged to apply for consideration. More information on the MedTech Innovator showcase can be found on the event website.

Additional Resources:

• MedTech Innovator announcement of launch 
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X (formerly known as Twitter) @HeartNews  

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.