PulseArk Technologies Shines at Bangkok Business Challenge
June 18, 2025 — Henry Palfrey, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and his team at PulseArk Technologies marked a significant achievement by reaching the semifinals at the prestigious Bangkok Business Challenge, held May 22-24 in Thailand. The competition attracted over 300 applicants from 82 institutions worldwide, and PulseArk was one of only 20 teams, and four from the U.S., to advance.
PulseArk, comprised of five members, received the Best Presentation Award for their innovative medical device, VoluSense, designed for early detection of internal bleeding. This technology detects subtle blood volume changes using venous pressure waveforms, potentially allowing for quicker clinical responses than traditional methods. The development, supported by a $1.9 million Department of Defense grant, involves collaboration with engineers and medical professionals from both UAMS and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Palfrey, the chief technology officer, emphasized the value of competition feedback in accelerating their transition from research to clinical application: “It’s one thing to develop promising science but quite another to translate it to the clinic.”
The PulseArk team, which includes CEO BreeAnna Scott and strategic leader Victoria Bourgeois, has also seen success in other pitch competitions, securing victories in the 2025 Heartland Startup Challenge and advancing in the Arkansas Governor’s Cup.
Looking ahead, PulseArk aims to finalize its prototype and begin preclinical studies by summer, with plans for pilot deployments in Arkansas hospitals targeting a market launch in 2028. "Entrepreneurship training provided us the toolkit to navigate challenges effectively," said Palfrey.
Dr. John D. Imig, co-supervisor of the PulseArk project, praised the team’s innovative spirit and dedication, calling their success in Bangkok a testament to their interdisciplinary training.
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