The American Heart Association and MATTER launch the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge

The two organizations open a call for applications from innovators building solutions that improve social drivers of health, improve cardiovascular health or promote healthy environments.

November 11, 2024, CHICAGO, IL — The American Heart Association, forging ahead in its second century of advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, and MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, announce the launch of the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge. The accelerator is seeking solutions that improve social drivers of health (SDOH), improve cardiovascular health or promote healthy environments and that are being developed by undergraduate students, graduate students or alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the U.S.

Improving Social Drivers of Health
We welcome submissions from entrepreneurs building solutions that focus on social factors, such as education, economic stability, community connections and healthcare access, that have a powerful impact on health. By focusing on these areas, we can make meaningful improvements, especially for strategically undervalued communities that face barriers to health equity.1 Innovative approaches are encouraged, such as community-driven initiatives, digital health solutions and partnerships across different sectors are proving to be effective ways to leverage these social influences for better health for everyone.2

Improving Cardiovascular Health
We encourage entrepreneurs to submit solutions that can improve cardiovascular health, another critical area where novel solutions are needed. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and many cardiovascular diseases are preventable through improved lifestyle behaviors, access to quality healthcare and better management of underlying conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.3

Supporting Healthy Environments
We welcome solutions that can help to create vibrant, health-forward environments. Healthier environments — those with clean air, accessible green spaces, safe areas for physical activity, and reduced exposure to harmful pollutants — play a critical role in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.4 Too often, undervalued communities lack sufficient access to healthy environments.

“By championing innovators from HBCUs, we’re building pathways for sustainable change,” says Pamela Garmon Johnson, national senior vice president of Healthy Living & NextGen Programs at the American Heart Association. “Investing in these emerging leaders allows us to support new health technologies and local solutions that can transform under-resourced communities. This commitment fuels the next generation of founders who are creating powerful solutions to improve health equity and drive real impact for all.”

The American Heart Association and MATTER will select up to 10 ventures or businesses across the U.S. to participate in the four-week accelerator. One winning participant will receive a $10,000 grant.

“An inspired innovator is at the heart of every great innovation that has changed the world,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “MATTER and the American Heart Association are looking for innovators from our nation’s HBCUs who we can support on their journeys to improve health and support healthy environments.”

For more information and to apply, please visit the Heart of Innovation HBCU Challenge website.

Sources:

  1. “Assessing and Addressing Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health,” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2024.
  2. “Beyond Health Care: The Role of Social Determinants in Promoting Health and Health Equity,” Kaiser Family Foundation, 2018.
  3. “Cardiovascular diseases,” World Health Organization, 2021.
  4. “Neighborhoods and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association,” AHA|ASA Journals, 2023.

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 a century. During 2024 — our Centennial year — we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About MATTER
At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.