Top Prize: MyoCaid
MyoCaid is a novel left-ventricular assist device designed to address the critical challenge of end-stage heart failure, which is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unlike existing devices, MyoCaid's innovative engineering allows it to assist the heart through placement in the aorta and operate entirely intracorporeally, reducing the risks associated with traditional devices, such as stroke and infection. With a patent filed and a technology readiness level of 3, MyoCaid represents a promising solution for those ineligible for or as an alternative to heart transplantation, offering a pathway to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs associated with heart failure management.
NHS Prize: Speek
Speek is pioneering a shift in mental healthcare for adolescents engaging in self-harm, with a focus on empowering parents through a Person-Centered Recovery Framework. Utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Speek has demonstrated substantial engagement and retention rates. With a business model that sells services directly to parents and initiates health system pilots, Speek is set on reducing recovery time and care costs while expanding its impact to address other serious mental illnesses in children and young people.