Element Science Earns Spot on Fast Company’s 2026 List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies
Element Science has earned a place on Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026, a recognition that highlights organizations driving meaningful change across industries through bold ideas and transformative technologies. The acknowledgment underscores Element Science’s growing impact in the field of cardiovascular care, particularly through its development of the Jewel Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator, a next-generation wearable device designed to protect patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, often occurring unexpectedly and requiring immediate intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. For patients identified as being at temporary elevated risk—such as those recovering from cardiac events or awaiting further clinical evaluation—continuous monitoring and protection are critical. However, traditional solutions have limitations in terms of usability, comfort, and integration into everyday life. Element Science has sought to address these gaps through a human-centered design approach that prioritizes both clinical effectiveness and patient experience.
The Jewel Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator represents a significant advancement in this area. Unlike conventional wearable defibrillators, which can be bulky and intrusive, the Jewel device is designed to be discreet and easy to wear. Its components are compact and can be concealed under clothing, allowing patients to maintain privacy and continue their daily activities with minimal disruption. This focus on usability is particularly important, as adherence to wearable medical devices is often influenced by comfort and convenience.
In addition to its discreet design, the Jewel Patch-WCD incorporates advanced machine-learning capabilities that enable continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythms. By analyzing data in real time, the device can detect life-threatening arrhythmias and deliver a therapeutic shock when necessary to restore normal heart rhythm. This combination of monitoring and intervention provides a comprehensive safety net for patients during periods of heightened risk.
One of the standout features of the device is its water-resistant design, which allows patients to wear it while showering—an activity that typically requires removal of many other wearable defibrillators. This capability enhances continuity of protection, ensuring that patients are not left vulnerable during routine daily activities. Additionally, the device is engineered to minimize the need for frequent maintenance, further reducing the burden on users and supporting consistent use.
The clinical credibility of the Jewel Patch-WCD is reinforced by key regulatory milestones. In April 2025, the device received Premarket Approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, authorizing its commercial distribution in the United States for adults at elevated temporary risk of SCA. This approval followed rigorous evaluation of the device’s safety and effectiveness. Earlier, in January 2024, the device achieved CE mark certification in the European Union and UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking in Great Britain, further validating its compliance with international regulatory standards.
These approvals have paved the way for the device’s early commercial launch in the United States, where it is currently available in select states. Element Science plans to expand availability in the coming months, with the goal of reaching a broader patient population and addressing the significant unmet need for improved SCA protection. As adoption increases, the company aims to redefine the standard of care for patients requiring temporary cardiac monitoring and intervention.
The recognition from Fast Company comes at a pivotal moment for Element Science as it transitions from development to commercialization. The World’s Most Innovative Companies list is widely regarded as one of the most influential benchmarks of innovation, celebrating organizations that not only respond to change but actively shape the future of their industries. Each year, editors and writers at Fast Company evaluate thousands of submissions from around the globe, selecting companies that demonstrate exceptional creativity, impact, and forward-thinking leadership.
For Element Science, inclusion on this list reflects both the technological innovation of the Jewel Patch-WCD and the company’s broader mission to improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. The company’s founder, Uday N Kumar, has emphasized the importance of addressing unmet needs in SCA prevention, noting that many patients remain inadequately protected by existing solutions. By focusing on design, functionality, and patient-centered innovation, Element Science aims to provide a more effective and accessible alternative.
The broader significance of this achievement extends beyond a single product. It highlights the growing role of digital health and wearable technologies in transforming healthcare delivery. Advances in sensors, data analytics, and connectivity are enabling new approaches to disease management that are more personalized, proactive, and integrated into patients’ daily lives. Devices like the Jewel Patch-WCD exemplify this shift, combining medical-grade functionality with user-friendly design to improve adherence and outcomes.
Furthermore, the recognition underscores the importance of innovation in addressing complex healthcare challenges. Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition where timing is critical, and even small improvements in detection and response can have life-saving implications. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and rethinking traditional approaches, Element Science is contributing to a broader effort to reduce mortality and improve quality of life for at-risk patients.
Fast Company’s announcement also highlights the diversity of innovation across industries, with honorees ranging from early-stage startups to established global enterprises. The selection process emphasizes not only the novelty of ideas but also their real-world impact, making inclusion on the list a significant achievement. According to the publication’s editorial leadership, the companies recognized in 2026 are those that are setting new standards for what innovation can achieve, combining bold vision with measurable results.
The full list of honorees is available on Fast Company’s website and will also appear in print beginning March 31, 2026. In addition, the publication will host its annual Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala on May 19 in New York City. This event brings together leaders from across industries to share insights, celebrate achievements, and explore the future of innovation. For Element Science, participation in this event provides an opportunity to showcase its work and engage with a global community of innovators.
Looking ahead, the company remains focused on expanding the reach of the Jewel Patch-WCD and continuing to advance its technology platform. As it scales its operations and enters new markets, Element Science is well-positioned to play a leading role in the evolution of cardiovascular care. The combination of regulatory validation, commercial momentum, and industry recognition creates a strong foundation for future growth.
Ultimately, the inclusion of Element Science in Fast Company’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies reflects a broader narrative about the power of innovation to transform healthcare. By addressing unmet needs, improving patient experiences, and leveraging advanced technology, the company is helping to shape a future where life-saving interventions are more accessible, effective, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.
About Element Science, Inc.
Element Science, Inc. is a medical device and digital health company focused on developing solutions at the intersection of clinical-grade wearables, machine learning algorithms, and lifesaving therapies that address leading causes of death and hospitalization in patients with heart disease, primarily as they transition from the hospital-to-home. By putting the needs of patients and physicians first, our personalized digital devices, which are designed for function, comfort, and ease-of-use, aim to redefine the paradigm of care for these patients.
Our first product, the Jewel® Patch Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator, is initially targeted at treating more than 500,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe with an elevated temporary risk of potentially experiencing a lethal heart rhythm. Based in San Francisco, our investors include Third Rock Ventures, Google Ventures, Deerfield Management, Qiming Venture Partners USA, Cormorant Asset Management, and Invus Opportunities.
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