New Collaboration Will Support Platform Evaluation, Evidence Synthesis, and Strategic Communications to Help Strengthen VitalFriend’s Innovation Roadmap
New York, NY — April 29, 2026 — HITLAB, a leading digital health innovation and research organization, today announced a new partnership with VitalFriend to support a comprehensive program of platform assessment, evidence development, and thought-leadership communications.
Through this collaboration, HITLAB will work with VitalFriend to conduct a heuristic study of the platform. They will gather and analyze existing testimonial and study data, and produce a white paper and evidence roadmap designed to support future publication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment across business, product, and regulatory priorities.
The scope of work includes a validation study, focused on usability and evaluation insights, by the HITLAB Research team.
In parallel, HITLAB will review and synthesize existing study findings and testimonials to optimize narrative and evidence assets for immediate use across multiple channels. Deliverables are expected to include materials that can support a white paper, potential peer-review publication, investor communications, and presentations at HITLAB events.
As part of the engagement, HITLAB will also develop a value proposition and business model summary poster for presentation at the May 2026 Innovators Summit in New York City. In addition, HITLAB and VitalFriend will conduct a joint workshop to develop an evidence roadmap aligned with VitalFriend’s current patent strategy and software as a medical device roadmap.
“This partnership reflects the growing importance of pairing innovation with disciplined evidence strategy,” said Dr. Stan Kachnowski, Chairman of HITLAB. “By combining structured platform evaluation, clear articulation of user and stakeholder value, and a forward-looking evidence roadmap, organizations can position promising digital health solutions for more credible growth and broader market relevance.”
Raj Kondapalli, Founder and CTO, VitalFriend added “We are pleased to partner with HITLAB at this important stage in our growth. Their expertise in digital health research, evidence strategy, and market-facing storytelling will help us sharpen how we assess our platform, communicate our value, and prepare for the next phase of engagement with partners, investors, and the broader healthcare innovation community.”
The partnership underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing practical, evidence-informed innovation in digital health. By integrating usability assessment, existing proof-point analysis, and strategic publication planning, the collaboration is intended to create a stronger foundation for future visibility, validation, and commercialization.
About HITLAB
About VitalFriend
VitalFriend is a powerful, device-agnostic platform that delivers smart, accurate health signals, supports overburdened teams, and helps care communities stay informed about emerging health trends. VitalFriend’s BUDDI, an FDA-cleared (510(k) K182018) cuff-based wearable for continuous blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, provides additional tracking for oxygen saturation, body temperature and other biomarkers. BUDDI operates 24 hours a day including during sleep. AI-powered alerts and personalized health benchmarks help care teams identify changes in vital sign trends and respond sooner. Fully covered by Medicare and major US insurance providers. VitalFriend was designed to connect caregivers and fit seamlessly into real-world senior care environments, especially Senior Care Facilities, where time is tight, attention is precious, and every insight counts.
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