HeartX cardiovascular accelerator seeking early-stage companies for 2024

by Roby Brock ([email protected]) 443 views 

HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom have launched year three 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 2024 HeartX cohort are now open, and five companies will be selected in September 2024. 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 two pilot projects or clinical studies with cardiology practices in Arkansas and around the country.

“The HeartX program provides the one thing that’s often the hardest for startups to attain: clinical engagement inside hospitals that allows them to demonstrate clinical and operational efficacy with their innovations,” said Jeff Stinson, director of HealthTech Arkansas. “Along with the core suite of services delivered by our partners at MedAxiom, the clinical engagement we provide puts us in a position to attract the world’s best cardiovascular medtech startups into the program. We’re humbled by and grateful for the opportunity to work with these companies.”

“For over two decades, MedAxiom has fostered collaboration among cardiovascular leaders and innovators, creating a dynamic platform for connection, education, and care transformation,” said Joe Sasson, PhD, MedAxiom’s chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Ventures. “The HeartX accelerator has infused fresh vigor and momentum into the MedAxiom community and has been instrumental in driving significant advancements in cardiovascular care. Our ongoing collaboration with HealthTech Arkansas is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiology. As we eagerly anticipate the selection of this year’s HeartX cohort, our focus remains steadfast on nurturing their development and ensuring they are equipped to effectively scale their impactful contributions into cardiovascular healthcare.”

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.