"Congratulations to these outstanding innovators and startup companies for developing pioneering medical devices that can advance NICU care," says Kurt Newman, M.D., president and CEO of Children's National Hospital. "Our Children's National clinical team, which is ranked #1 nationally in NICU care, understands deeply the vital role of innovation and technology in providing the tiniest infants with the healthiest start possible. Three of our NICU clinicians participated in the judging and were inspired by the quality of the participants and the potential patient benefits of the innovations presented."

Nearly 400,000 babies, about 1 in 10, are born prematurely in the United States annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that premature babies who survive can have breathing issues, intestinal problems and brain complications that can impact later development. The competition focused on NICU because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifies the specialized pediatric market among those that still have a significant unmet need for devices designed for the youngest patients.