Cardiovascular health technology to be fast-tracked through innovative development program

DALLAS and SAN FRANCISCO, September 13, 2022 — New solutions for improving and managing cardiovascular health are urgently needed, but effective and worthwhile solutions often failed to make it to patients because all critical stakeholders were not involved at the right phase of the development process to ensure acceptance by patients, payers and providers along the way. To help innovators and stakeholders work together to thread this needle, the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives for all, and the UCSF Rosenman Institute announce a new collaboration, the UCSF Rosenman Institute BUILD™ Heart Health program.

The program is designed as an 11-month cycle of fully funded fellowships aimed at training the next generation of health technology entrepreneurs. The BUILD Heart Health program will provide an environment that helps innovators connect with and integrate all essential stakeholders and facets of development, with a focus on novel cardiovascular health technology solutions. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death for U.S. adults for decades.[1]

“Establishing a solid path for learning how to engage with all critical stakeholders at the right time, in the right way, is essential for ensuring a streamlined, effective innovation process,” said Sam Hawgood, MBBS, UCSF Chancellor and Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Distinguished Professor. “This program is aligned with UCSF’s mission to advance healthcare worldwide and is ideally positioned to provide future leaders with the resources and education they need to become successful innovators in the cardiovascular space. We are thrilled by the chance to collaborate with the American Heart Association in this dynamic area of health tech.”

The program will provide access to professional networks and resources to kick-start innovation opportunities that lead to success. Each cycle of the BUILD Heart Health program is structured around team-based educational opportunities, coaching by experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, and access to an advisory board and a clinical board, all with the goal of developing viable services, products and companies that improve cardiovascular health.

“The BUILD Heart Health program is a new, integrative methodology of education for the development of innovative, efficient technologies for unmet medical needs in the cardiovascular space,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Together, the American Heart Association and the UCSF Rosenman Institute have the know-how and network connections to fast-track the development of health technologies. We are eager to see what we can accomplish for cardiovascular patients everywhere when we join our forces.” 

Organizations and individuals that become financial sponsors will receive a variety of benefits, including tiered recognition, opportunities to invest in companies that come from the program, the option to attend program sessions and mentor participants, and more. The pilot cycle of the program is targeted for launch in 2023. Additional information on funding opportunities is available here.

The American Heart Association brings nearly 100 years of evidence-based science, data and experience to the collaboration, which holds promise to nurture expertise and foster success for a new generation of cardiovascular health technology innovators as part of the Association’s mission to ensure all Americans have the opportunity for a full, healthy life. The UCSF Rosenman Institute has a reputation for helping entrepreneurs access knowledge and connections to accelerate their path to market.

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About the UCSF Rosenman Institute  
The UCSF Rosenman Institute, a health technology initiative at the University of California, San Francisco, is a community of investors, clinicians, and technology entrepreneurs who create solutions for unmet healthcare needs. Its mission is to drive innovation and education and improve patient care by helping entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization. Learn more at rosenmaninstitute.org. 

[1] Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association; Originally published 26 Jan 2022https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001052Circulation. 2022;145:e153–e639