This Saturday, October 8, the winners of the fourth annual Pediatric Surgical Innovation Symposium competition will be announced. Why is this important? Well, it’s no secret that the pediatrics market is severely underfunded.

Twelve finalists are competing to win $50,000 each (up to six winners will be selected) at the event, hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National Health System. Finalists will have five minutes each to present their technologies to a panel of judges, which will be followed by a five minute Q&A. The contenders are:

• PECA Labs. Synthetic vascular conduit for MIS repair of congenital heart defects that can grow with the patient
• Maternal Life. Closed system that captures and administers colostrum to newborns with 0% loss
• Magnamosis, Inc. Device for less invasive repair of the esophagus in newborns with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula
• JustRight Surgical. Surgical 5-mm stapler sized for use with a wider range of pediatric surgical procedures
• CareTaker Medical. Disposable single-use finger cuff that continuously monitors neonatal  heart rate without adhesives, electrodes and wires
• Nebula Industries. Quick release medical tape to prevent neonatal and pediatric skin injuries
• Lully. Moisture sensor and Smart Pod monitor, placed under a mattress and wirelessly connected to a smartphone app to prevent bedwetting episodes
• Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, University of Maryland. Disposable multifunctional incubator for at-risk, low birth weight babies
• Multisensor Diagnostics. Non-invasive portable handheld device designed to perform rapid medical assessment of key vitals
• May & Meadow, Inc. Mobile medical device for assessing feeding ability in infants at risk for feeding problems
• PediaStent. Bioresorbable stent for use in repairing congenital heart lesions
• Averia Health Solutions. Concussion screening and management system that uses smartphone technology

A record 91 entries were received.