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. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising health technologies still fail to reach patients who need them most. This competition aims to close that gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world care settings.
Hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition identifies and accelerates technologies that can transform how conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Five finalists will be selected to showcase 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 importance of this initiative is underscored by the persistent burden of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death globally. Health systems are facing growing demand, workforce shortages, and rising costs, making scalable, data-driven solutions more critical than ever to deliver timely, effective, and equitable care. The competition addresses this by emphasizing clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring 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 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 various care settings. Unlike traditional startup competitions, this program prioritizes clinical evidence and practical impact, aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and patient access.
Key dates for the 2026 competition are: applications open now through Sept. 18, 2026; five finalists announced on Oct. 10, 2026; live pitches at Scientific Sessions on Nov. 7–8, 2026; and the winner announced on Nov. 9, 2026. 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 and to view terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. The AHA also provides additional resources, including a news release on the 2025 winner and finalists, available on its news site.
