Houston Medical Technology Company Wins Global Health Tech Competition for Pediatric Heart Innovation
PolyVascular's victory in the American Heart Association's Health Tech Competition highlights a breakthrough minimally invasive valve technology that could transform care for children with congenital heart disease by reducing the need for repeated open-heart surgeries.
Houston-based PolyVascular was named the overall winner of the American Heart Association's annual Health Tech Competition during Scientific Sessions 2025, earning top honors for its innovative approach to treating congenital heart disease in children. The competition, which functions as a healthcare-focused version of Shark Tank, showcases digital solutions for treating or preventing cardiovascular diseases and stroke, addressing a critical need given that nearly half of U.S. adults live with some form of cardiovascular disease or stroke according to Association statistics.
PolyVascular's winning technology centers on a minimally invasive valve that can be expanded over time to grow with the child, potentially dramatically reducing the need for repeated open-heart surgeries. This advancement matters because it addresses a significant gap in pediatric cardiac care where children often face multiple invasive procedures throughout their development. Dr. Henri Justino, co-founder of PolyVascular, emphasized the importance of bringing such life-changing technologies to the youngest patients, noting that similar innovations have already benefited adults but have been slower to reach pediatric populations.
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. PolyVascular's solution stood out for its potential to transform the care pathway for children with congenital heart defects, allowing them to enjoy healthier, more carefree lives with fewer surgical interventions.
In addition to PolyVascular's overall win, Brainomix of Oxford, England was awarded best in the science category for its AI-powered software that supports precision medicine in stroke and lung fibrosis treatment. Both companies will 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. The network represents a crucial ecosystem for accelerating the adoption of promising health technologies.
Other finalists in the competition included Lumia from Boston, developing wearable solutions for orthostatic intolerance and chronic blood flow disorders; Noah Labs from Berlin, transforming voice into a digital biomarker for earlier intervention in cardiometabolic diseases; and Cambrian Health from San Francisco, building an AI-powered platform to ensure clinical best practices are executed at the point of care. The diversity of solutions reflects the broad range of innovation occurring across the health technology landscape.
Star Jones, attorney, TV personality and American Heart Association national volunteer who served as a judge, described the competition as 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, Jones said. These technologies aren't just promising - they're poised to make a real impact. The judging panel included numerous medical and business experts from institutions including UT Southwestern Medical Center, Yale School of Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, and Cleveland Clinic Children's.
The recognition of PolyVascular's technology comes at a critical time when innovative health solutions must reach people in their daily environments to close the cardiovascular health gap. The company's minimally invasive approach represents a significant step forward in making advanced cardiac care more accessible and less traumatic for pediatric patients and their families. More information about the Health Tech competition is available at https://ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025.