The American Heart Association (AHA) has opened applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of market-ready technologies that address cardiovascular and brain health. This competition comes at a critical time when cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and health systems face mounting challenges such as workforce shortages and rising costs.
Hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition aims to bridge the gap between promising health technologies and their real-world implementation. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many innovations fail to reach patients who need them most. The competition seeks to change that by connecting innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors to fast-track evidence-based solutions.
The AHA is looking for emerging companies with market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. Technologies should actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across various care settings. Unlike traditional startup competitions, this program emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Five finalists will be selected to pitch live at Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA's flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The finalists will present their innovations on Nov. 7–8, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 9.
“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, CEO of the AHA. “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.”
The competition reflects the AHA's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation. It is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, which showcases cutting-edge technologies and research. The AHA hopes to attract solutions that can transform how conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure are prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
Key dates for the competition: applications are open now through Sept. 18, 2026; five finalists will be announced on Oct. 10; live pitches will occur Nov. 7–8; and the winner will be announced Nov. 9.
The AHA encourages innovators to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate their technologies into clinical practice. For more information and to view terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026.
This initiative underscores the AHA's dedication to ensuring equitable health in all communities. By supporting scalable, data-driven solutions, the competition aims to deliver timely, effective, and equitable care to patients worldwide.
