Houston Medical Company Wins Global Health Tech Competition with Pediatric Heart Innovation

Houston-based PolyVascular was named the overall winner of the American Heart Association's annual Health Tech Competition at Scientific Sessions 2025, earning top honors in the business category for its innovative approach to treating congenital heart disease in children. The competition, which also recognized Brainomix of Oxford, England as best in the science category, serves as a live forum for healthcare innovators to present digital solutions for treating or preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The 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. 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 advance innovation in cardiovascular and brain health.

PolyVascular's winning technology represents a significant advancement in pediatric cardiology. The company is developing minimally invasive solutions specifically designed for children with congenital heart disease, with the primary goal of reducing the need for repeated open-heart surgeries. Their innovative approach features a minimally invasive valve that can be expanded over time to grow with the child, potentially transforming treatment protocols for young cardiac patients.

"This is a tremendous honor for PolyVascular - we're especially proud to bring hope to families and children living with congenital heart defects," said Henri Justino, M.D., co-founder of PolyVascular. "Our technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the need for repeated open-heart surgeries. The American Heart Association plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative care pathways, and we're excited that our solution aligns with its guidelines and mission."

The competition evaluated solutions based on three key criteria: validity of the working prototype or product in the market, scientific rigor of validation research using evidence-based health research, and impact on improving patient outcomes through innovative technology. Finalists addressed clinical problems including heart failure, hypertension, congenital heart defects and other pressing issues in cardiovascular, brain and metabolic health.

Star Jones, attorney, TV personality and American Heart Association national volunteer who served as one of this year's judges, described the competition as "our own version of Shark Tank, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that have the potential to transform care. What excites me most is seeing science come to life in ways that reach people where they live, work and play. These technologies aren't just promising - they're poised to make a real impact."

Other finalists in the competition included Brainomix, which creates AI-powered software to improve stroke diagnosis and treatment decisions; Lumia from Boston, delivering wearable solutions for people with orthostatic intolerance and chronic blood flow disorders; Noah Labs of Berlin, transforming voice into a digital biomarker for earlier intervention in cardiometabolic diseases; and Cambrian Health from San Francisco, building an AI-powered platform that ensures clinical best practices are seamlessly executed at the point of care.

The judging panel featured prominent healthcare and technology experts including Eric D. Peterson, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, professor of medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center; Lee Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chairman of the board of the American Heart Association; and Lisa Suennen, managing partner at American Heart Association Ventures, among other distinguished professionals from academic institutions and healthcare organizations.

Finalist presentations took place November 8-9 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans during Scientific Sessions 2025, the American Heart Association's premier global event for advancements in cardiovascular science and medicine. The competition highlights the growing importance of technological innovation in addressing persistent challenges in cardiovascular and brain health, particularly in reaching patients through solutions that integrate into their daily lives.