The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced that applications are now open for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate innovations that can transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular and brain health conditions. 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 bridge that gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world care.
Hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition seeks to identify and accelerate technologies that address high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and other related conditions. The program emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, setting it apart from traditional startup competitions. Five finalists will be selected to present 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 competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA is looking for technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across various care settings. This focus is critical, as 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 essential than ever to delivering timely, effective, and equitable care.
“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.”
Key dates for the competition include an application deadline of September 18, 2026, with five finalists announced on October 10. Finalists will deliver live pitches at Scientific Sessions on November 7–8, and the winner will be announced on November 9. The competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, reflecting the AHA's commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science, and fostering collaboration to improve health outcomes worldwide.
The 2026 competition follows the success of the 2025 event, where a Houston-based medical technology company won the overall global health tech competition. That achievement highlighted the potential for innovative solutions to make a real impact in cardiovascular and brain health. The AHA encourages innovators to apply and become part of a movement to bring evidence-based technologies to patients faster.
For more information about the Health Tech Competition and to view the terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026.
