The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies that address cardiovascular and brain health challenges. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising technologies still fail to reach the patients who need them most. This competition aims to close that gap by identifying and scaling market-ready solutions that can transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.
Hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition seeks to connect healthcare innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors to speed up the integration of evidence-based technologies into real-world care settings. Five finalists will be selected to showcase their solutions at Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA's flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The live pitches will take place on November 7-8, with the winner announced on November 9.
The competition is open to emerging companies that have developed market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA is particularly interested in technologies that 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 that solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and health systems are facing growing demand, workforce shortages, and rising costs. Scalable, data-driven solutions are more critical than ever to delivering timely, effective, and equitable care. The Health Tech Competition is designed to address these challenges by fostering collaboration and innovation.
“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.”
Key dates for the competition are as follows: applications open now through September 18, 2026; five finalists will be announced on October 10, 2026; live pitches will occur during Scientific Sessions on November 7-8; and the winner will be revealed on November 9. The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, reflecting the AHA's ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation and improving cardiovascular and brain health outcomes worldwide.
Interested companies can learn more about the competition and view the terms and conditions at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. For additional context, the AHA has previously highlighted winners of past competitions, such as the 2025 overall winner, a Houston-based medical technology company, and has announced finalists in prior years. Follow AHA/ASA news on X at @HeartNews.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the AHA funds groundbreaking research, advocates for public health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, the AHA works tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day.
