The accelerator model is undergoing a transformation, and at the center of this change is HealthTech Arkansas, a small but powerful program that’s redefining the traditional approach by guaranteeing clinical pilots for healthcare startups. As the healthcare system faces a mounting burden from chronic disease (cardiovascular-related costs alone are projected to reach a staggering $1.8 trillion by 2050), the urgency for scalable, real-world innovation has never been greater.

So, how can we reshape the startup accelerator to become a true driver of innovation in patient care?

On this episode of CardioCatalyst, host Joe Sasson sits down with Jeff Stinson, Director at HealthTech Arkansas, to explore how his team is reengineering the accelerator blueprint by prioritizing clinical partnerships over pitch competitions. The conversation dives into the design, impact, and evolution of HeartX, a cardiovascular-specific initiative that connects startups directly with pilot sites and funding.

Highlights from the episode…

A New Model of Access: HealthTech Arkansas is the only U.S. accelerator that guarantees clinical pilots or trials for its participants, removing one of the biggest barriers for MedTech startups.

From Broad to Cardio-Specific: Originally industry-agnostic, the accelerator narrowed its focus in partnership with MedAxiom to create HeartX, specializing in cardiovascular innovations with national reach.

Clinical & Commercial Filters: Startups must demonstrate both investor-grade potential and the ability to solve real problems for healthcare providers to gain entry, ensuring only the most viable technologies make the cut.

Jeff Stinson is a seasoned early-stage investor and fund manager with over 20 years of experience leading healthcare innovation initiatives. He currently serves as Director of HealthTech Arkansas, where he designs accelerator programs that guarantee clinical engagement for MedTech startups. Jeff has also founded and led multiple entrepreneurial support organizations, including LaunchCo and Fund for Arkansas’ Future, and has directed innovation programs at the university and state levels.

Over the past two decades, digital health has evolved from a niche concept to a cornerstone of modern care—especially in cardiology, where MedTech innovations like remote monitoring and wearable devices are redefining how patients are diagnosed and managed. Yet behind every billion-dollar breakthrough is a leader who knew how to commercialize it. As cardiovascular startups surge and investor interest rebounds, there’s growing curiosity about the career paths of those shaping this space—not just as operators, but as strategic board members and mentors.

How does a former finance professional become one of the driving forces behind the top cardiac monitoring companies—and what does it really take to make the leap from sales leader to influential board investor?

This is the focus of the latest episode of CardioCatalyst, where host Joe Sasson sits down with Ken Nelson, former Chief Commercial Officer turned board chair, startup mentor, and venture fund partner. Together, they explore how Ken transitioned from launching pacemakers with Guidant to scaling iRhythm, BioTelemetry, and Bardy Diagnostics—and now, to guiding the next generation of innovators as Board Chairman at CardiaCare, a venture fund partner at MedTech Advantage, and a strategic advisor across the cardiac digital health landscape.

Key takeaways from the episode…

Boards as Catalysts for (or Barriers to) Success: Why Ken evaluates board composition as carefully as the product—and how a strong board can unlock scale.

What Founders Must Bring: Passion and purpose are key, but coachability is non-negotiable.

Long-Term Vision Starts on Paper: Ken’s practice of setting handwritten five-year plans has helped him stay aligned with both personal values and professional goals.

Ken Nelson is a MedTech commercialization expert with over 20 years of experience scaling digital health and cardiac remote monitoring companies, including leadership roles at iRhythm, BioTelemetry (acquired by Philips for $2.8B), and Bardy Diagnostics (acquired by HillRom). Known for building high-performing teams and cultures, he has raised over $100M in venture capital and played a key role in the successful IPO and acquisitions of multiple startups. Today, Ken serves as Board Chairman at CardiaCare, Partner at MedTech Advantage Fund, and a board member or advisor to several leading health tech organizations, specializing in sales strategy, venture growth, and go-to-market execution.