alberta heart
Who are we?
Alberta Heart is a student project group at the University of Alberta aimed at researching, designing and prototyping a Total Artificial Heart (TAH) and competing in the Heart Hackathon 2025, the world’s first student competition for total artificial heart design. Get involved in a cutting-edge research and design project that addresses the urgent need for effective solutions against cardiovascular disease.
If you want to help make a difference in the world, click here to learn more and be part of the innovation. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to join!
Our Teams
Meet our teams
Mechanical
The Mechanical Sub-Team is responsible for the design, development, and fabrication of the Total Artificial Heart’s physical components. This includes the heart’s pumping chambers, valves, casings, and other structural elements. They utilize CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD) to create detailed models and simulations, ensuring that the design meets functional requirements while adhering to strict biomedical standards. The team works closely with the Biocompatibility and Electrical teams to ensure that materials are suitable for medical use and that the mechanical structure integrates seamlessly with sensors and control systems. Key responsibilities include stress analysis, optimization of fluid dynamics, and prototyping.
Biocompatibility
The Biocompatibility Sub-Team focuses on ensuring that the materials used in the artificial heart are safe and compatible with human biology. Their work is crucial to preventing adverse reactions such as blood clotting (thrombosis), immune responses, and infection. This team researches and tests various materials and coatings, such as silicone, polyurethane, and titanium, to assess how they interact with blood and tissue. They are also responsible for conducting long-term studies to verify that the materials do not degrade or become toxic when exposed to body fluids over time. Their goal is to select materials and coatings that ensure the artificial heart can function reliably and safely within the human body.
Administrative
The Administrative Team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Alberta Heart Project operates efficiently and smoothly by handling the logistical, communication, and organizational aspects of the project. This team focuses on tasks that support the entire project, enabling the technical teams to focus on development while maintaining clear communication channels and ensuring a strong team culture. Areas of focus include: report writing and documentation, making presentations, communications, recruitment, marketing, retention, finance, logistics related to travel, safety, outreach and procurement.
Electrical
The Electrical and Embedded Systems Sub-Team is tasked with developing the control and feedback systems that regulate the heart’s operations. This includes designing and programming the circuits, sensors, and microcontrollers that ensure the artificial heart pumps blood at the correct rate and pressure. The team works on integrating electrical components such as actuators, pressure sensors, and power supplies into the mechanical design. Additionally, they create the software needed to control these systems, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments to the heart’s performance. Collaboration with both the Mechanical and Simulation teams is crucial to ensure that the electrical systems function reliably under dynamic conditions.
Heart Hackathon 2025 Competition Timeline
Join Alberta Heart as we develop the First Iteration of our TAH for the 2025 competition.
Join the Innovation
We are currently recruiting members for all sub-teams and Biocompatibility and Electrical Team Leads. Fill out the membership form below for more details. Note that you need to be signed in to your Ualberta account to access the form.