The American Heart Association has opened applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to identify and accelerate technologies that can transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular and brain health conditions. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising health technologies still fail to reach the patients who need them most. This competition aims to bridge that gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world care.
Hosted by the American Heart Association's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition seeks emerging companies with solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The focus is on technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve outcomes across various care settings. Unlike traditional startup competitions, this program emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring that selected solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and health systems face growing demand, workforce shortages, and rising costs. Scalable, data-driven solutions are more critical than ever to deliver timely, effective, and equitable care. The Health Tech Competition connects healthcare innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors to accelerate adoption and bring evidence-based technologies to patients faster.
"For more than a century, the American Heart Association has been at the intersection of science, research, clinical expertise, and innovation to drive improvements in cardiovascular and brain health," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "Through the Health Tech Competition, we continue that work by helping advance evidence-based solutions that address today's most pressing health challenges and reach people where they live, work, and receive care."
Five finalists will be selected to present at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association's flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Key dates include applications opening now through Sept. 18, 2026; finalists announced on Oct. 10; live pitches on Nov. 7–8; and the winner announced on Nov. 9. The competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, reflecting the Association's commitment to accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration worldwide.
To learn more about the Health Tech Competition and to view the terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026.
