The American Heart Association (AHA) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to bridge the gap between promising health technologies and their real-world application in cardiovascular and brain health care. Despite rapid advancements in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many innovations fail to reach the patients who need them most. This competition aims to change that by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into clinical practice.
Hosted by the AHA’s Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition seeks to identify and accelerate 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 present their solutions at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association’s flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The winner will be announced on Nov. 9.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and health systems are facing increasing 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.”
The competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA is seeking technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across a variety of 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.
Key dates for the competition are as follows: applications are open now through Sept. 18, 2026; five finalists will be announced on Oct. 10, 2026; live pitches will take place at Scientific Sessions on Nov. 7–8; and the winner will be announced on Nov. 9. The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions and reflects the AHA’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science, and fostering collaboration to improve cardiovascular and brain health outcomes worldwide.
For more information about the competition and to view the terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. Additional resources include the AHA’s news release on the 2025 winner, Houston-based medical technology company wins overall global health tech competition at Scientific Sessions 2025, and the announcement of finalists, Finalists named in global health technology competition to advance heart and brain health. Follow AHA/ASA news on X at @HeartNews.
