The American Heart Association has opened applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies addressing cardiovascular and brain health. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising health technologies still fail to reach patients who need them most. The competition aims to bridge this gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world care settings, according to a press release.
Hosted by the American Heart Association's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition identifies technologies that can transform how conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Five finalists will be selected to pitch live at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association's flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The winner will be announced on November 9.
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 delivering timely, effective, and equitable care. The competition emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, setting it apart from traditional startup competitions. It 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.”
The competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The Association seeks technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across various care settings. Key dates include: applications open through September 18, 2026; finalists announced on October 10; live pitches on November 7-8; and the winner announcement on November 9.
The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions and reflects the Association's ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science, and fostering collaboration. For more information and to view terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026.
This year's competition follows the success of the 2025 event, where a Houston-based medical technology company won the overall global health tech competition. The American Heart Association, supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
