HEARTX CARDIOVASCULAR ACCELERATOR SEEKS INNOVATIVE EARLY-STAGE COMPANIES FOR 2025 PROGRAM

HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom have launched year four of HeartX, a cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator that facilitates guaranteed hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular innovations to the market. 

Applications for the 2025 HeartX cohort opened on February 1st, and five companies will be selected in September 2025. The program is seeking companies in three categories: digital health and software, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Each company will receive $150,000 of investment capital and is guaranteed at least one pilot project or clinical study with cardiology practices in Arkansas and around the country.

“The HeartX program exemplifies our commitment to bridging the gap between promising cardiovascular innovations and real-world clinical validation,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. “By guaranteeing early-stage companies direct access to leading cardiology practices for pilots and clinical trials, we’re enabling these innovators to rapidly demonstrate impact, refine their solutions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. We’re proud to collaborate with MedAxiom again to bring transformative technologies to market.”

“The HeartX accelerator provides young companies with what they need most - access,” said Joe Sasson, PhD, MedAxiom’s chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Ventures. “Participating in HeartX provides funding, exposure, and commercialization support, helping to reach dozens of cardiovascular programs looking for solutions to improve care delivery. We’re confident that this year’s applicants will consist of the best cardiovascular innovations globally, and we encourage all companies focused on improving cardiovascular care to apply.”

HealthTech Arkansas is in its eighth year of administering accelerator programs focused exclusively on provider engagement with early-stage companies, and is now in its fourth year of partnering with MedAxiom on HeartX.

More information can be found at HeartXaccelerator.com.

ABOUT HEALTHTECH ARKANSAS

HealthTech Arkansas helps to drive innovation for healthcare provider organizations through its accelerator programs and through internal innovation programming. Its flagship accelerator, HeartX, recruits worldwide for the most accomplished cardiovascular-focused startups in the areas of digital health, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Those companies accepted into the program are guaranteed at least one pilot project or clinical trial from among the ten largest hospitals and health systems in Arkansas. More information can be found at HealthTechArkansas.com.

ABOUT MEDAXIOM

MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology Company, is the cardiovascular community’s premier source for organizational performance solutions. MedAxiom is transforming cardiovascular care by combining the knowledge and power of hundreds of cardiovascular organization members, thousands of administrators, clinicians and revenue cycle experts, and dozens of industry partners. Through the delivery of proprietary tools, smart data and proven strategies, MedAxiom helps cardiovascular organizations achieve the Quadruple Aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinician experience. Learn more at medaxiom.com.

HEARTX CARDIOVASCULAR ACCELERATOR ANNOUNCES FOUR STARTUP COMPANIES SELECTED FOR THE 2024 PROGRAM

HeartX, powered by HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom — along with numerous leading cardiology practices in Arkansas and around the country — has selected four startup healthcare companies to participate in its 2024 accelerator program. HeartX is a cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator that facilitates guaranteed hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular innovations to market.

The four companies selected for the 2024 HeartX program are:

Caristo, England, UK

Caristo Diagnostics CaRi-Heart® technology is the world’s only solution to detect and quantify hidden coronary inflammation – a key driver of heart attacks – and quantify coronary plaque from routine coronary CT angiography scans. The CaRi-Heart analysis can predict an individual’s risk of cardiac mortality up to 10 years in advance, even before traditional markers of coronary artery disease are detectable. This allows clinicians to intervene earlier with tailored and effective therapy, helping to prevent heart attacks. Learn more at Caristo.com. 

Haermonics, The Netherlands

Haermonics uses patented, proven technology born from the need for simple yet effective solutions to address bleeding-related post-operative challenges. By preventively flushing the pericardial cavity, Haermonics Pure significantly reduces bleeding-related reinterventions, complications, and blood transfusions after cardiac surgery. Haermonics Pure continuously monitors novel critical patient parameters, providing real-time insights to clinicians and enabling timely, informed decision-making. Recognizing the innovation’s importance, the FDA has granted Haermonics Pure a Breakthrough designation, ensuring faster access for patients in need. Learn more at Haermonics.com. 

MultiplAI Health, Maryland, USA

MultiplAI Health is advancing precision diagnostics with an RNA-based blood test powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to detect subclinical cardiovascular diseases. Using genomic sequencing and AI models, the test delivers cardiologists actionable insights for early detection of atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. It outperforms current cardiovascular disease risk calculators by up to 35% and will soon be available in the US as a CLIA/CAP-approved test. Learn more at MultiplAIHealth.com and Superbiomarker.com. 

Peerbridge Health, Tennessee, USA

Peerbridge redefines the diagnostic potential of ambulatory cardiac monitoring. Developed alongside top physicians, the Cor is a unique ambulatory ECG monitor that combines best-in-class signal fidelity with explainable AI to detect heart failure, determine ejection fraction, diagnose sleep apnea, and identify 31 arrhythmias. Merging medical innovation with operational efficiency, Peerbridge delivers unique clinical utility at a fraction of the cost of current monitors. The Cor is approved for reimbursement under standard ECG codes, streamlining adoption for medical institutions. Learn more at PeerbridgeHealth.com. 

“We are thrilled to welcome this year's cohort of innovative companies to the HeartX program,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. “Each of these startups brings groundbreaking technology that has the potential to transform cardiovascular care. Through our unique model, which guarantees pilot projects and clinical trials with leading healthcare providers, we are confident that these companies will make a significant impact in advancing heart health.”  

“This year’s HeartX companies are ones to watch,” said Joe Sasson, PhD, MedAxiom’s chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Ventures. “By connecting groundbreaking innovations with real-world healthcare systems, we are not only accelerating the development of life-saving cardiovascular technologies but also transforming the future of patient care. We look forward to kicking off the 2024 HeartX cohort during a special event at MedAxiom’s CV Transforum conference in October.” 

Representatives from more than two dozen cardiology programs, plus representatives from HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom, interviewed applicants and selected companies with technologies that have the potential to advance cardiovascular innovation and cardiac care at their respective organizations. Each company will receive $150,000 of investment capital and full access to clinicians and administrators while executing their pilot projects and clinical studies in the HeartX program.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded a grant to HealthTech Arkansas through a program designed to increase acceleration activities in targeted industries in the state. HealthTech Arkansas is in its seventh year of administering accelerator programs focused exclusively on provider engagement with early-stage companies and is now in its third year of partnering with MedAxiom on HeartX.

More information about HeartX can be found at HeartXAccelerator.com. 

ABOUT HEALTHTECH ARKANSAS

HealthTech Arkansas helps to drive innovation for healthcare provider organizations through its accelerator programs and through internal innovation programming. Its flagship accelerator, HeartX, recruits worldwide for the most accomplished cardiovascular-focused startups in the areas of digital health, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Those companies accepted into the program are guaranteed at least two pilot projects or clinical trials from among the ten largest hospitals and health systems in Arkansas. More information can be found at HealthTechArkansas.com.

ABOUT MEDAXIOM

MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology Company, is the cardiovascular community’s premier source for organizational performance solutions. MedAxiom is transforming cardiovascular care by combining the knowledge and power of hundreds of cardiovascular organization members, thousands of administrators, clinicians and revenue cycle experts, and dozens of industry partners. Through the delivery of proprietary tools, smart data and proven strategies, MedAxiom helps cardiovascular organizations achieve the Quadruple Aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinician experience. Learn more at MedAxiom.com. 

BIOPHYLE LAUNCHES ACCELERATOR PROGRAM FOR CLINICAL-STAGE COMPANIES AND TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ARKANSAS BIOTECH ENTREPRENEURS

SymBiosis and HealthTech Arkansas have partnered to launch the biophyle Trial Accelerator, a program designed to elevate healthcare innovations in Arkansas by connecting accomplished, clinical-stage biotherapeutic innovations to Arkansas healthcare providers through clinical trial opportunities or commercialization training programs.  

Applications for the 2024 cohorts are now open. The program offers two tracks: Track 1 is for clinical-stage companies with at least one novel biotherapeutic asset in the oncology, immunology, or cardiometabolic space and Track 2 is for Arkansas-based life science researchers interested in learning how to move their research towards commercialization.

Applicants for Track 1 will undergo an initial screening by SymBiosis and HealthTech Arkansas. An advisory board comprised of subject matter experts will review each company’s application, with all applicants receiving detailed feedback as to perceived investibility and fit for the program. Applicants will also be screened by clinical trial sites in Arkansas, and when there’s mutual interest in conducting a clinical trial, companies will be admitted to the program on a rolling basis.

“Our vision for this program is to create a collaborative environment where clinical-stage companies and local researchers can work together to bring innovative treatments to market,” said Chidozie Ugwumba, Managing Partner at SymBiosis.

The goal of the Track 2 program is to provide Arkansas-based researchers with additional knowledge, support, and network expansion to advance their research toward commercialization. This program offers a structured platform for delivering essential education, mentoring and grants access to an extensive network of professional service organizations, subject matter experts, and potential investors.

“Arkansas is fortunate to have talented, accomplished, and well-funded life science researchers in the state,” said Jeff Stinson, director at HealthTech Arkansas. “We look forward to bringing this innovative training curriculum to them in an effort to help them build their knowledge and networks and advance their innovations towards the market.”

The biophyle Trial Accelerator Program is supported by funding from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission through a program designed to increase acceleration activities in targeted industries in the state.

More information about both tracks of the biophyle Trial Accelerator can be found at biophyle.org. 

ABOUT HEALTHTECH ARKANSAS

HealthTech Arkansas helps to drive innovation for healthcare provider organizations through its accelerator programs and through internal innovation programming. Its flagship accelerator, HeartX, recruits worldwide for the most accomplished cardiovascular-focused startups in the areas of digital health, medical devices, and diagnostic platforms. Those companies accepted into the program are guaranteed at least two pilot projects or clinical trials from among the ten largest hospitals and health systems in Arkansas. More information can be found at the HealthTech Arkansas website: https://www.healthtecharkansas.com/

ABOUT SYMBIOSIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

SymBiosis is an investment firm focused on advancing biotherapeutics innovations for serious and life-threatening diseases. The firm invests in groundbreaking medicines across disease area, financing stage, and geography, with a focus on programs in, or about to enter, human trials. SymBiosis currently manages a portfolio of more than 30 investments and has significant, long-term capital commitments to fund future investments. For more information, please visit www.symbiosis.vc or follow us on LinkedIn.

HealthTech Arkansas Companies in the News

2023 cohort company Nanowear gets FDA clearance for AI-enabled software that allows its wearable undergarment to estimate blood pressure. Learn more here.

2022 cohort company iCardio.ai announced a strategic partnership with UltraLinQ, a major PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) software provider. The partnership combines iCardio.ai's cutting-edge automated AI tools with UltraLinQ's robust image viewer and advanced reporting platform. Learn more here.

2023 cohort company Nanowear announced that its nanotechnology-enabled wearable and software platform, SimpleSenseTM, has received FDA 510(k) clearance for a novel AI-enabled Software-as-a-Medical Device (SaMD). Learn more here. 

2022 cohort company Acorai received investment from CerraCap Ventures, a leading venture capital firm in healthcare innovation. The investment will boost the development and deployment of Acorai's novel Acorai Heart Monitor (AHM), which aims to solve critical challenges in heart failure management. Learn more here. 

2022 cohort company Acorai secured more than $4.5m in funding to finance its clinical studies and move towards regulatory approval. The round was led by Solardis Health Ventures, with participation from KHP Ventures, Carma Fund and other US investors. Significant follow-on investment was taken from existing investors from across Sweden and the EU. Learn more here. 

2023 cohort company MindMics was granted a patent for its cardiovascular monitoring via infrasound technology in everyday headphones. This patent marks a significant leap in the field of cardiovascular health, offering a novel, non-invasive approach to disease monitoring and management. Learn more here. 

2021 cohort company SoniVie announced enrollment completion in the REDUCED-1 pilot study with TIVUS™ Ultra-Sound Renal Denervation. SoniVie is developing the only platform denervation technology with active development programs in three therapeutic areas: pulmonary artery denervation for pulmonary hypertension, renal artery denervation for resistant hypertension, and total lung denervation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with chronic bronchitis. Learn more here. 

2020 cohort company Zeto achieves HITRUST risk-based, 2-year certification demonstrating the highest level of information protection assurance. Learn more here.

2023 cohort company SmartCardia has announced an exciting partnership with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH), Mumbai to revolutionize patient care for individuals with cardiac arrhythmia, a condition when the heartbeat is irregular due to a problem with the heart’s electrical signals. Learn more here.