New Facility Marks Bold Expansion in Congenital Heart Disease Research and Innovation
Eau Claire, WI | HeartWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and therapies for congenital heart disease (CHD), is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its World Headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on October 9, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Founded in 2020, HeartWorks was created to build upon the groundbreaking work of the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) at Mayo Clinic. In just five years, HeartWorks has grown rapidly in research, innovation, and impact – outpacing its Rochester, Minnesota space and prompting this bold next step: a facility designed to transform the heartland into the hub of CHD research and innovation.
A New Home Driving Hope for CHD Families
The HeartWorks World Headquarters brings together all facets of the organization under one roof: Manufacturing, Research & Discovery, Marketing & Events, and Resource Development. This collaboration accelerates HeartWorks’ ability to deliver on its mission: more options and more hope for families impacted by CHD.
HeartWorks’ pioneering efforts include the world’s first clinical trial using a patient’s own stem cells to strengthen weak hearts. The key to this vision of building hearts is clinical manufacturing. The new facility was designed to expand capacity from developing cardiac cells for 12 patients per year to 100 annually, opening doors to personalized therapies, regenerative treatments, and more clinical trials.
This leap forward shifts HeartWorks from foundational clinical cell manufacturing to industry-leading capacity.
Built for Innovation and Community
When COO and Co-founder Matt Nelson first toured the Eau Claire building, he saw beyond its walls, envisioning a future where every aspect of HeartWorks could thrive together.
The headquarters is designed to:
- Manufacturing – Expand capacity for groundbreaking clinical trials.
- Research & Discovery – Advance innovation in cell therapy and CHD care.
- Marketing & Events – Strengthen the CHD community and raise awareness.
- Resource Development – Empower donors, volunteers, and partners to make an impact.
The new home also creates opportunities for team growth, welcoming young professionals and cultivating the next generation of leaders in CHD research.
Why It Matters
For the 1 in 100 families affected by single ventricle CHD – including HLHS, tricuspid atresia, and double outlet right ventricle (DORV) – treatment is a lifelong journey. Current surgical pathways save lives, but long-term outcomes remain uncertain. By investing in regenerative therapies and personalized treatments, HeartWorks is advancing toward better outcomes for children and adults living with CHD.
“The 1 in 100 families impacted by CHD deserve 100% of our commitment,” said Tim Nelson, CEO and Co-founder. “We could have built this headquarters anywhere, but we chose to stay rooted in the Midwest where partnerships are strong, purpose runs deep, and people roll up their sleeves to make a difference. Eau Claire gives us not just a home, but a launchpad to deliver the hope and innovation the heart community truly deserves.”
Grand Opening Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 AM)
Location: HeartWorks World Headquarters, 3449 Sky Park Blvd, Eau Claire, WI
Event Highlights:
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:30 AM
- Lunch from Cure is in the Works food truck
- Coffee, cookies & giveaways
- Guided facility tours and live demos
- Merchandise store open with exclusive items
Community members, CHD families, partners, and supporters are warmly invited to join.
About HeartWorks
HeartWorks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and mission-driven innovation engine that has been leading the way since 2010 to improve the lives of the 1 in 100 people affected by Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Focused on developing breakthrough therapies and technologies, their work spans cell-based biologics, implantable devices, organ rehabilitation platforms, and patient-driven data solutions addressing critical gaps in care across the CHD continuum.
