The American Heart Association (AHA) has opened 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. The competition, hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, seeks to identify market-ready solutions that can transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.
Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising technologies fail to reach patients who need them most. The competition aims to close this gap by connecting healthcare innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors. Five finalists will be selected to pitch their solutions live at Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA's flagship global event, scheduled for November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
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 Health Tech Competition emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, distinguishing it from traditional startup competitions. It requires applicants to have clinical or pilot data and a viable business model, ensuring that selected solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
“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 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 is open to emerging companies worldwide. Applications are being accepted until September 18, 2026. Five finalists will be announced on October 10, 2026, and will present their pitches on November 7-8, 2026. The winner will be revealed on November 9, 2026. The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions and reflects the AHA's commitment to accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration to improve health outcomes worldwide.
Interested companies can learn more about the competition and review the terms and conditions at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. Additional resources include the AHA news release on the 2025 winner, Houston-based medical technology company wins overall global health tech competition at Scientific Sessions 2025, and Finalists named in global health technology competition to advance heart and brain health.
