The American Heart Association (AHA), through its Center for Technology & Innovation, is accepting applications for the 2026 Health Tech Competition. The program connects market-ready health technologies with clinicians, researchers and investors to speed real-world adoption in cardiovascular and brain health care. The competition is hosted as part of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions 2026 in Chicago, Nov. 6–9, with live pitches scheduled Nov. 7–8 and the overall winner announced Nov. 9, 2026.
The competition seeks technologies with measurable potential to improve prevention, diagnosis or treatment for conditions including high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure. Organizers note that despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence and remote patient monitoring, many promising technologies do not reach patients who need them. The AHA aims to close that gap by identifying and accelerating solutions that can transform care delivery across diverse settings, help address workforce shortages and rising costs, and promote timely, effective and equitable care.
The competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions that are supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA emphasizes technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians and show measurable potential to improve patient outcomes. Unlike many startup contests, this program prioritizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care to ensure solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Applicants should expect evaluation against criteria that center on: clinical or pilot evidence, scalability, engagement of patients and clinicians, and potential to improve outcomes. Specific scoring details and application requirements are provided on the Health Tech Competition webpage and in the competition’s terms and conditions.
These dates frame the selection process from application through live judging at the Association’s flagship global meeting for cardiovascular science.
Five finalists will be invited to present live at Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA’s major annual event showcasing the latest research and clinical advancements in cardiovascular science. The Health Tech Competition is a signature element of the Health Innovation Pavilion, providing finalists exposure to clinicians, researchers, investors and other stakeholders who can help scale evidence-based technologies into practice.
Finalist selection and the live pitch format are intended to accelerate translation by emphasizing clinical impact and real-world feasibility rather than only commercial metrics.
Interested companies should visit the AHA Health Tech Competition website for full application instructions, terms and conditions and submission details. The competition page includes resources and links to prior news releases, including coverage of the 2025 overall winner and past finalists, to illustrate the program’s outcomes and visibility.
The AHA encourages applicants with solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a sustainable business model. Specific application components and the review timeline are published on the competition site; prospective applicants who need further clarification should consult the competition terms or contact the AHA through the channels listed below.
The American Heart Association describes itself as a relentless force for longer, healthier lives and as an organization dedicated to equitable health in all communities. For more than a century the AHA has funded research, advocated for public health, and provided resources to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The organization supports programs that drive scientific breakthroughs and implement evidence-based solutions in science, policy and care.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the AHA, is quoted in the announcement noting the Association’s historical role at the intersection of science, research, clinical expertise and innovation and framing the Health Tech Competition as a continuation of that work to advance evidence-based solutions.
More information, application details and the competition’s terms and conditions are available at: ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026/.
Media inquiries listed in the announcement were provided as a phone contact (214-706-1173) and an AHA media contact name and email (Monica Sales: monica.sales@heart.org). Public inquiries may use AHA general contact resources (1-800-AHA-USA1).
Additional resources linked in the announcement include news releases on the 2025 competition winner and on previously named finalists, and a referenced review article about artificial intelligence in healthcare and medicine. The AHA encourages following AHA/ASA news channels for updates on the competition and Scientific Sessions.